BRISTOL LIVES
“I told Nick Park that the environment would fall apart if he didn’t illustrate my eco poems” worked as a bus conductor for most of his life but was an amateur musician, too. What attracted you to composing film scores?
At the age of 14 I liked to orchestrate pop songs on largeformat score paper. I loved the aesthetic of it, but it would have sounded diabolical. I also used to sit in front of a radiogram and conduct the score to 633 Squadron or The Planets Suite. Tell us about your early works
MARTIN KISZKO
The Bristol musician, composer author and eco-poet has just published a flyon-the-wall memoir that takes in film music, natural history film-making, and a whole lot more...
M
artin began his music studies at the age of seven, and was accepted by Leeds City College when he was 10. He’s composed over 200 film and TV soundtracks, and recorded nine albums with Europe’s finest orchestras; among his award winning scores are the BBC’s Realms of the Russian Bear and the BAFTA- nominated movie The Killing of John Lennon. He’s clearly terrifically talented, but if that suggests ‘scary intellectual genius’, you’d be doing him a disservice; as you’ll soon find out when you read his new book, Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land, he’s very funny and great company. He’s also the UK’s Green Poet, touring his one-man-show based on collections Green Poems for a Blue
Planet and Verse for the Earth. He’s appeared on Radio 4 and been on Blue Peter; we suspect he may even have a badge. We’d love to go full-on Desert Island Discs on Martin, but we don’t have the space for the full discography; besides, we’d probably be sued by Radio 4. We can reveal, though, that among his musical choices would be Sámi artist Mari Boine Persen’s Gula Gula, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s Nace Aqui, and Cindy Stratton’s Only You. His book would be Gulliver’s Travels, and his luxury item a large framed photo of his children. What fostered your early love of music?
It was nurtured by my primary school music teacher, Gertrude Paul from St Kitts, and my father who was a great conductor. He
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One of my first projects was co-producing an album of music for Life on Earth, composed by my mentor Edward Williams. My inspiration came from composers such as Mahler, Weill, Copland, Britten and Reich.
Is an eclectic approach to music important in film composition?
It’s essential to be able to pastiche any style, but to also develop an original voice that distinguishes you from other composers.
In 1980 we met at an event where we were both showing short films we’d made, and we became good friends. As for my book, I told him the environment would fall apart if he didn’t illustrate my eco-poems... Which of your projects do you look back at most fondly?
Composing and performing the International Anthem of Antarctica (a spoof anthem) in Antarctica. I also performed what I think was the first live rap on the continent. My most memorable collaboration was with the Munich Symphony Orchestra on the BBC series Alien Empire. Tell us about your new book
It’s called Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land, and it’s a candid fly-on-the-wall, behind-the-scenes look at film music composition, natural history filmmaking, TV projects and eco-poetry, as well as a personal memoir full of the challenges life throws and a good laugh along the way. The book is also for anyone wishing to enter the music and writing industries.
What sparked your interest in environmental issues?
Tell us about your Bristol life
What’s the best way to engage young people in environmental issues?
Do you have any secret skills?
As a child, I loved walking in woodland with my father. I ran wild and free among meadow butterflies and was aware of a connection to nature. Later, my work with the BBC Natural History Unit honed my green sensibilities.
I came here to study, and stayed for the green spaces, the Gorge and the vibrant film and TV industry. I like to swim at Henleaze Lake. I walk by the Avon. The slow-moving waters assuage my turbulent river of consciousness, which is often near to breaking its banks. I can read text upside down, and can find things that are often thought to be unfindable.
Young people often ask me how they can save the planet. My answer is, “Do you know what it feels like to love a parent, a sibling, a pet?” Their answer is, “yes”. “Then you must feel that love for planet Earth. It’s only through an emotional connection to the environment that we will want to care for our planet.”
A cuppa, chocolate biscuits, and promoting my book.
How did you come to collaborate with Nick Park on Green Poems for a Blue Planet?
Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land costs £15 from martinkiszko.com
Your most regrettable habit?
What…just the one? Biscuits – someone stop me.
What are you doing after answering these questions?
