"The Great Train Robbery" with original score by Mikael Darmanie performed by W4RP Trio

An electrifying re-imagining of the historic 1903 silent film "The Great Train Robbery", with a score masterfully weaving together blues, hip hop, and house with classical music instruments and elements. A visceral journey rhythming through seething tension and moments of explosive violence, the work is a portrait of the violence endemic in the roots of American society. Commissioned by Accordo to create an original score for a silent film, composer Mikael Darmanie was alarmed to be unable to find any significant representations of Black joy, Black love, or Black peace in movies pre-1928. He ultimately chose to transpose, as a subversive act, a score steeped in the African diaspora onto a "classic" American silent film that was wildly popular in its time -- the era of white patriarchy, slavery and Native American genocide. SILENT FILM: The Great Train Robbery (1903) by Edwin Porter Courtesy of Library of Congress ORIGINAL SCORE (released as "Gimme Dat" in the album "Sermon of the MatriarK by W4RP Trio)(2025) Composer: Mikael Darmanie Performing artists: W4RP Trio Commissioned by Accordo Produced by Stephen Prutsman Recorded by Ryan Streber at Oktaven Audio, Mt. Vernon, NY Additional recording by Daniel Edmond, Spaniel Studio, Astoria, NY Mixed and edited by Mike Tierney, Fieldnotes Studio, Brooklyn, NY Additional editing by Gary Mankin, Studio Ajea, San Francisco, CA Mastering by Alan Silverman BUY | LISTEN https://warptrio.bandcamp.com/album/s... MIKAEL DARMINIE Mikael Darmanie is a distinguished pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to music that bridges classical and contemporary influences. Lauded for his “Lisztian pyrotechnics” (New York Classical Review) and hailed by The New York Times as “exceptional,” Darmanie brings together dazzling technique and expressive range, that moves fluidly between classical, jazz, and a dizzying range of styles. His compositions frequently blend contemporary classical elements with influences from hip-hop, electronic, and jazz, sometimes as a "reflection of the intersection between an algorithm-driven society and the indifference of nature". W4RP TRIO Described as a “talented group that exemplifies the genre-obliterating direction of contemporary classical music” (Columbia Free Times), W4RP Trio is an internationally touring cross-genre chamber music experience. Reflecting the combination of Juilliard trained members juxtaposed with members steeped in rock and jazz styles, the one-of-a-kind ensemble can be seen performing classical works in prestigious halls on the same tour where they headline a standing room only show at a rock venue. In addition to their electrifying public performances, they have gained a reputation for their innovative educational workshops with students from grade school through university level. Their groundbreaking original compositions and collaborative works explore myriad musical traditions and styles, as well as important social issues. www.w4rpmusic.com PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. Artists include Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, Kenji Bunch, Modern Violin Ensemble (MoVE), W4RP and more. As another way of amplifying artistic voices, Phenotypic Recordings donates revenue from streaming and downloads to support humanitarian causes identified by the artists making the music. https://phenotypicrecordings.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MUSIC DISCOVERY NEWSLETTER https://www.phenotypicrecordings.com/... © 2026 Phenotypic Recordings All Rights Reserved