Mistico

Date: 1997

Duration: 4:00

Other Version: 1st movt. of String Quartet No. 1                                            

Mistico for String Orchestra

Mistico is a short character piece written to evoke an atmosphere of mystery.  It symbolizes addressing of the questions of modern living through contemplation.  Urbanization, loss of touch with the natural world, and the crowing together of citizenry can be combated through a return to the inner self and a withdrawing from the fast-paced throng.  From this vantage point, solutions can be tackled through thought and analysis, when an inward-seeking policy aims to resolve outer conflicts.

The composition is comprised of a set of four strophic variations which are based upon the opening soli for two violas.  A solo cello cadenza forms an interlude between the third and fourth variations.  The composition strives to contrast subtle differences in string textures and colours.

A Canadian Celebration Overture

Instrumentation: 2.picc.2.2.2./4.3.3.1./timp.3perc.hp./strings

(harp is optional; alternate parts for 2 percussion)

Originally named A Celebration Overture

Date: 1997

Duration:  9:30

Notes:

A Canadian Celebration Overture is meant to capture musically the fast-paced energetic and joyful aspects of life in Canada today, with a look back to Canada’s early years through the inclusion of an historic Canadian folk song.

The overture opens with a brief fanfare which is followed by a calm lyrical section, featuring a melodic clarinet solo. The energy continues to build until the music climaxes with a return to the original fanfare material. The clarinet is heard again in a solo cadenza, which leads to the main section, a spirited Allegro. The Allegro’s main theme is first heard in the woodwinds and is then developed symphonically. The music slows and a beautiful flute solo emerges, which is a  Canadian Folk Song from Nova Scotia called Bold Pedlar. This folk song is heard again in the violas, cellos, and bassoons, and finally with the full orchestra. The Allegro section returns and leads into the overture’s conclusion, an exciting coda where the original fanfare returns in a fast-paced flourish. The overture was composed to be tuneful, pleasing and joyful—a symphonic celebration.

Commissioning

A Canadian Celebration Overture was commissioned by the Brantford Symphony in 1997 to commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the city of Brantford.