I Remember

Cambria Master Recordings, 2017

University of Toronto Schools: Alumni Musicians and Friends

Derek Bate, Aaron Dou, Su Jeon Higuera, & Annie Zhou – Piano

Billy Bao, Conrad Chow, Amir Safavi, Emma Meinrenken, & Aaron Schwebel – Violin

Donna Oh & Ronald Royer – Cello, Mark Laidman – Bass, Rebecca Moranis – Flute, James Sommerville – Horn, Cynthia Smithers – Soprano, Alastair Thorburn-Vitols – Boy Soprano, David Fallis – Narrator, & Alex Eddington – Conductor

Tracks
  1. Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915): Valse in A flat major, Op. 38 (5:26): Annie Zhou – Piano
  2. Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Scherzo from the F.A.E. Sonata (Sonatensatz) (5:07): Amir Safavi – Violin & Aaron Dou – Piano
  3. Paul Dukas (1865-1935): Villanelle (6:33): James Sommerville – Horn & Annie Zhou – Piano
  4. Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904): Romance in F minor, Op. 11 (11:58): Aaron Schwebel – Violin & Derek Bate – Piano
  5. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Trois Écossaises, Op. 72, No. 3 (1:57): Annie Zhou – Piano
  6. Henri Vieuxtemps (1820–1881): Souvenir d’Amérique, Variations burlesques sur “Yankee Doodle”, Op. 17 (5:14): Emma Meinrenken – Violin & Su Jeon Higuera – Piano
  7. Alexander Rapoport (1957-): Waldberauscht (Forest Rush) (3:26): James Sommerville – Horn & Annie Zhou – Piano (Premiere Recording)
  8. Ronald Royer (1959-): Danzon (8:37): Conrad Chow, Aaron Schwebel – Violins, Ronald Royer – Cello & Aaron Dou – Piano (Premiere Recording)
  9. Sarah Shugarman (1976-): Carousel (4:17): Aaron Schwebel, Conrad Chow, Emma Meinrenken – Violins, Ronald Royer, Donna Oh – Cellos & Mark Laidman – Bass (Premiere Recording)

10 -11. Alex Eddington (1980-): Bubblegum Delicious (based on poetry by Dennis Lee) (7:40 & 6:20): Cynthia Smithers –  Soprano, Rebecca Moranis – Flute, Conrad Chow – Violin, Donna Oh – Cello, Aaron Dou – Piano, David Fallis – Narrator & Alex Eddington – Conductor (Premiere Recording)

  1. Billy Bao (1996-): Dance (2:53): Billy Bao – Violin & Ronald Royer – Cello (Premiere Recording)
  2. Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847): Auf Flügeln des Gesanges (On Wings of Song), Op. 34, No. 2 (2:39): Alastair Thorburn-Vitols – Boy Soprano & Derek Bate – Piano

Total Time: 72:38

Introduction

Featuring newly composed Canadian and traditional European chamber music, I Remember is a compilation of artists reflecting on youth through music. The recording explores themes of playfulness, passion, nostalgia, joy, and love. These themes were in mind when five Canadian composers wrote their music and the performers chose the other pieces. All performers and Canadian composers featured on this CD are connected to University of Toronto Schools (UTS). Affiliated with the University of Toronto, UTS focuses on providing students from Grades 7 to 12 an exceptional academic experience. The music on this CD is an eclectic collection, representing an institution that supports varied individual interests, and celebrating a passion for learning.

Ronald Royer – Danzon (8:37)

Conrad Chow, Aaron Schwebel-Violins, Ronald Royer-Cello & Aaron Dou-Piano (Premiere Recording)

Danzon is inspired by two divergent sources, the city of Los Angeles and the In Nomine section of the Mass Gloria tibi Trinitas by John Taverner (c.1490-1545). Originally, this work was the fourth movement of my Dances with Time, a concerto for Flute, Cello, and Chamber Orchestra. For Danzon, the In Nomine musical material serves as the melodic inspiration and is transformed through the prism of Los Angeles, which contributes musical elements from Latin America and Film Noir movie scores.

Since I was born, grew up and began my career in Los Angeles, I felt Danzon would fit the theme: I Remember. I arranged Danzon to allow me to perform with two of my former UTS students (violinists Conrad Chow and Aaron Schwebel), and a current senior student, pianist Aaron Dou.