Van Cooper is an eclectic composer. He was always drawn to music with high production values, dense instrumentation, and unexpected changes. From the rocking “Big Trouble” to the atmospheric “ Awake Softly” disks Van has expressed his musical history. Trained on clarinet and saxophone Van learned the importance of the “parts”. Self taught guitarist and pianist, Van continued to expand his repertoire. “I can’t get a gig as a drummer, but I can keep a beat”....his neighbors were tolerant.
Composing music for stage and commercials, Van honed his creative point of view, as well as his happiness to be working alone. Playing all the parts he heard made his compositions direct and individualistic.
Van turned his musical vision to atmospheric, or New Age, compositions. “ Awake Softly” was composed for relaxation and yoga. The themes are gentle and peaceful, yet there is an underlying element of drama.
"Symph" is an hour long fully orchestrated symphony. Thematic and dramatic, this remains Van's most difficult work to date.
“...Late Night Holiday Listening” was recorded on Van’s home, a Classic Chris Craft. “ A perfect studio for me, with great acoustics and gentle motion”. An instrumental Holiday disk, “...Late Night Holiday Listening” offers new direction for classic Holiday songs.
