Cochineal

Cochineal combines earthy and electronic to set to music the ancient Andean recipe for dyeing alpaca wool with cochineal, an insect full of carminic acid that feeds on prickly pear cactus. Composed for SATB chorus and electronic dance track, the recipe depicts the synthesis of insects, alpaca wool, minerals, water, fire, sun, time, and a couple of unusual ingredients to create colorful beauty. Using Andean harmonies and scales, the music captures the grandeur of the Andes mountains and the artisanal tradition of hand-crafting colorful yarn from local natural ingredients. The computer-generated electronic track created using Logic Pro X features original sound design and compelling dance rhythms. Cochineal is the first musical collaboration between Adrienne Inglis and Walter Torres.