Up and Comers Music

Compared to the other types of music we normally write about on Up and Comers, you might expect a review of a track called “Age of Dreams” to be about an indie pop anthem or a pop rock ballad. Richard Green’s “Age of Dreams” is something entirely different: a richly layered orchestral track that inspires delight and a sense of wonder.

Opening with a somewhat ominous piano line, “Age of Dreams” quickly opens up into a quartet of dreamy lighthearted strings, true to the name of the piece. The violin and viola of the group engage in long, flowing arpeggios that provide contrast to the staccato lines of the piano that sit at the center of the mix. Underneath it all, a cello provides lushness and a full bodied low end. The result is a dynamic sonic tapestry that feels both expansive and cohesive at the same time.

Green demonstrates his versatility throughout the track by playing with different styles of composition.  At times, the composer veers more toward the open style of modern muses like Aaron Copland, and at others, it feels like he leans into more of a baroque style. The fusion of compositional genres results in a piece that feels refreshingly unique but also accessible. 

As a former violinist myself, I can understand the deep care that is taken in each bow stroke and each musical phrase that is undertaken here. In an orchestral piece of music, the performance, not just the songwriting, is a high priority for the listener. I can say with a good deal of confidence that both the trained and untrained ear will relish the expressiveness and precision of the recording here. Green has picked a stellar group to carry out his artistic vision including guests Irene Veneziano and Archimia.

If you’re in need of something new for your routine, give Richard Green’s “Age of Dreams” a spin. It’s a track with the ability to transform a mindset or the direction of one’s day by immersing the listener in a rich and multilayered experience.

Follow Green on Instagram and check out our Up and Comers playlist for more emerging acts.