While raging forest fires made headlines all summer and will likely increase in the coming years due to climate change, Cree composer Cris Derksen’s work is about controlled burns, a traditional Indigenous practice used to manage wildfires. This practice involves burning certain parts of the forest in the spring, before temperatures rise and while the ground is still wet, to keep flames from burning out of control. Indigenous peoples determine where to intervene based on centuries of observation. By clearing out the twigs, dead trees and pine needles covering the forest floor, they protect their land and help preserve the ecosystem. As a result, flames are transformed from threat to tool—two aspects of fire that Cris Derksen explores in her work.
Edward Elgar, composer
Edward William Elgar was an English composer for orchestral and choral works. Born in Lower Broadheath near Worcester on June 2, 1857. His father was a piano turner, and his mother was supportive in his musical development. Elgar began composing at an early age, and one his musical draft written from ten years old was rearranged and orchestrated by himself forty years later, becoming the suites titled The Wand of Youth.
When Elgar was 29, he met Caroline Alice Roberts (known as Alice) who was an accomplished English author of verse and process fiction. They got married three years later, and since then Alice acted as Elgar’s business manager and social secretary and tried to bring supported Elgar with much encouragement. She gave up some of her personal aspirations f]to further his career. In her diary, Alice wrote “The care of a genius is enough of a life work for any woman.” When they got engaged, Elgar wrote a short violin and piano piece Salut d’Amour to her, and she gave him one of her poems The Wind at Dawn.
Through ups and downs, by 1890s Elgar was finally catching attentions from prominent critics and built up his reputation as a composer. In 1899, the Enigma Variation finally took off and received general acclaim for its originality, charm and craftsmanship. The year after Enigma’s premiere, Elgar was awarded an honorary doctorate by Cambridge University, and was subsequently knighted in 1904. Elgar’s Variations were his first major success and his first truly successful full-scale orchestral work.
Enigma Variations
English composer Edward William Elgar (1857-1934) had a habit to improvise on the piano in the evening. After a long day of teaching violin lessons, he began noodling away at the keyboard when he happened upon a particularly pleasing melody. “Whom does that remind you of?” he asked his wife, and Alice replied, “Billy Baker [a good friend of the couple] going out of a room.” And so were born Elgar’s Enigma Variations in 1898.
Elgar dedicated the work “to my friends pictured within”. The theme is followed by 14 variations, each variation being a musical sketch of one of his circle of close acquaintances. Some variations represent characteristics of the individuals:
Enigma no. 10, “Dorabella,” includes a staccato woodwind section intended to imitate his friend’s laugh.
Elgar wrote the program note below for a performance of the Enigma Variations in 1911:
“This work, commenced in a spirit of humour & continued in deep seriousness, contains sketches of the composer’s friends. It may be understood that these personages comment or reflect on the original theme & each one attempts a solution of the Enigma, for so the theme is called. The sketches are not ‘portraits’ but each variation contains a distinct idea founded on some particular personality or perhaps on some incident known only to two people. This is the basis of the composition, but the work may be listened to as a ‘piece of music’ apart from any extraneous consideration.”
Here are all the variations and who they represent.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composer
Born on May 7, 1840 during the Romantic Period, Tchaikovsky was the first Russian composer whose music would make a lasting impression internationally.
Growing up with education for a civil servant career, Tchaikovsky was able to find an opportunity for music education and entered the nascent Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
Despite his popular successes in composing Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, the 1812 Overture, First Piano Concerto, Violin Concerto, Romeo and Juliet and many more, Tchaikovsky’s life was punctuated by personal crises and depression. Contributory factors included his early separation from his mother for boarding school followed by his mother’s early death, the death of his close friend and colleague Nikolai Rubinstein, his failed marriage with Antonina Miliukova, and the collapse of his 13-year association with the wealthy patroness Nadezhda von Meck. Tchaikovsky’s homosexuality, which he kept private, has traditionally also been considered a major factor though some scholars have played down its importance.
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1
The Piano Concerto No.1 in Bb minor, Op. 23 was composed between 1874-1875 and revised three times until 1888. The premiere of this concerto would mark ten years after Tchaikovsky’s first public performance, so he was determined to make this work a big hit. However, after he showed the work to his desired pianist, Nikolai Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky received much criticism from his friend that he turnt his head away and reached out to Hans von Bülow, who adored Tchaikovsky and this work very much.
The premiere took place in 1875 in Boston, and it was so successful with the audience that Bülow was obliged to repeat the Finale. Although it was not initially welcomed, Rubinstein later had a change of heart and became a fan of the work. Now, this piano concerto is one of the most popular of Tchaikovsky’s works.
Fans of Monty Python’s Flying Circus will recognize the piano concerto’s iconic opening from a sketch featuring Terry Jones as world-famous soloist Sviatoslav Richter. It is announced that “during the performance, he will escape from a sack, three padlocks, and a pair of handcuffs.”
Here’s a breakdown of all of the movements.
The concerto follows the traditional form of three movements:
- Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso – Allegro con spirito (B♭ minor – B♭ major)
- Andantino semplice – Prestissimo – Tempo I (D♭ major)
- Allegro con fuoco – Molto meno mosso – Allegro vivo (B♭ minor – B♭major)
The first movement introduction starts with a short theme in french horn’s and the following accompaniment suggests a “wrong” key of Db major. The exposition begins in the tonic minor, with a Ukrainian folk theme, followed by a call and response section between tutti and the piano. The second subject consists of two alternating themes, one has a melodic contour from the introduction, the other is more gentle and sets the subtonic key. The woodwind and piano arpeggios together builds a stormy climax in C minor, and closes the exposition in Ab major with a variation on the second subject. The upper register twinkling in the piano seems to foreshadow Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet which will come in later in his career.
The development contains snapshots of the first subject material: first in Eb major after a flurry of piano octaves, followed by a second repeat in G minor. Then the piano and strings play it in E major for the third repetition. The recapitulation builds excitement with reapperance of a powerful orchestral build from the exposition in Bb major, but was quickly cut short. The piano cadenza soon appears, followed with snatches of the first theme and led to a triumphant coda with the full orchestra.
The second movement begins with the flute singing over strings’ pizzacato, which becomes the main motif for the rest of the movement. The melody is past onto the piano with a modulation to F major, echoed by instruments from different spot in the orchestra, then later cello and oboe return with it in Db. The second section becomes more active and contrasting with light and bouncy piano passages demonstrating the soloist’s virtuosity. Following glides in the piano, the music return to the opening melody again, and this time it resolved in Db in a conversation between the piano and oboe. The final movement is in rondo form with a brief introduction, followed by two themes with one being uplifting and the other being more lyrical. A third theme later appears with modulation through different keys with dotted rhythm. Finally, the orchestra and pianist respond and challenge each other, and build towards a heroic ending.
Michael Oesterle, composer
Michael Oesterle was born in Ulm, Germany, in 1968. He immigrated to Canada in 1982, and since 1996 has been living in Montréal. He has received several awards, such as the Gaudeamus Prize, the Grand Prize at the 12th CBC Radio National Competition for Young Composers, and the Canada Council Jules Léger Prize. Oesterle’s works have been performed and commissioned by ensembles and soloists in Canada and throughout the world including Ensemble Modern (Frankfurt), the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Nouvel Ensemble Moderne (NEM), cellist Yegor Dyachkov, the Ives Ensemble (Amsterdam), sopranos Karina Gauvin and Suzie Leblanc. He has produced projects in collaboration with composer Gerhard Staebler, violinist Clemens Merkel, painter Christine Unger, video/installation artist Wanda Koop and Bonnie Baxter and choreographer Isabelle Van Grimde. He composed the music for cNOTE, a film by animator Christopher Hinton, produced by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). cNOTE won the 2005 GENIE award for best animated-short. In 1997 he founded the Montréal based Ensemble Kore with pianist Marc Couroux, and between 2001 and 2004 he was composer-in-residence with l’Orchestre Metropolitain du Grand Montréal.
Richard Carnegie, conductor
A double bassist by training, Richard Carnegie is passionate about teaching young musicians and has served as music director of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra (SYO) since 2009.
Under his leadership, the SYO program has seen the addition of a chamber orchestra, conducting classes, a composition contest for young Saskatchewan composers, an annual concerto competition, expanded enrolment and a unique partnership with the University of Saskatchewan Department of Music.
A dedicated teacher, he has been an instructor of double bass at the University of Saskatchewan, and from 2014-2018 Richard taught with Sistema Saskatoon, an after-school program for students in grades 3-8 which focuses on the the ideal that every child should have the opportunity to enrich their lives through music and teamwork.
His birth certificate says he’s from Ontario, but Richard has called Saskatchewan home since 2006 after studies at the Manhattan School of Music (New York) and the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School (Toronto) with Timothy Cobb and Joel Quarrington. He became the principal Double bassist for the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, and served in that position until 2022.
As a double bassist, Richard has performed solo recitals and had appearances with Prairie Virtuosi, Elixir Ensemble, Ritornello Festival and the YouTube Symphony in Sydney, Australia.
Richard has been invited to guest conduct the Saskatoon Symphony on five separate occasions for Pops and Family series concerts in repertoire ranging from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Suite to the music of Frank Sinatra and Astor Piazzolla. He has also served as guest conductor at summer music programs including the International Music Camp and the Regina Summer Strings.
In 2013 he was named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s Future 40, a list of 40 leaders and change makers in the province.
Mitchell Tyler, bass
Conductor, arranger, bassist and educator Mitchell Tyler is an Honours Bachelor of Music (Theory & Composition) and Bachelor of Education graduate of Western University, and has been a member of the Jeans ‘n Classics Band since 1992.
As a performer he has shared the stage with many artists including Rik Emmett (Triumph), Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) and Lawrence Gowan (Styx), and played in the touring productions of Chicago (2015) and Mamma Mia (2012).
Mitchell is a part time contract teacher of string music and classical guitar with the Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ontario and has been a professional educator since 1993. He served as Orchestra London Canada’s Education Director from 2010 to 2013. He has extensive experience writing, developing, programming and conducting curriculum-linked educational content for symphony orchestras, currently offered through his company, Symphonic Kids. He has been the musical director for beloved children’s entertainment troupe, Dufflebag Theatre since 2008.
As a conductor, Mitchell has had the privilege of working with a wide variety of orchestras across North America. Recent guest conductor appearances include the Springfield Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic, the Duluth Superior Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, the Jacksonville Symphony and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. He continues to immensely enjoy his work as Conductor with the Jeans ‘n Classics Rock Symphony, a local symphony add-on to the JNC rock band, formed in 2012 for select performances closer to home.
In his spare time, Mitchell enjoys coaching high school and club travel baseball, touring the ballparks of Major League Baseball and supporting his beloved Boston Red Sox.
Johnny Rutledge, vocalist
Based in Chicago, but born and raised in Toronto Canada, this talented guitar player and gifted singer’s career has been quite the journey.
Before becoming a pre-eminent studio session singer in constant demand, Johnny played in numerous bands performing in clubs and venues across Canada. Once he began singing radio and television commercials, he quickly became a recognized voice in households everywhere.
A recording artist in his own right, Johnny has recorded and performed with greats such as Kenny Loggins, R Kelly, Celine Dion, Diana Ross (Oprah Show), The Temptations, Peter Cetera, Gordon Lightfoot, Mavis Staples, and Anne Murray, to name a few.
Johnny moved to Chicago IL in 1989, where his gifts and talents as a singer continued to be in high demand. There he also co-partnered his own music composition/production company, writing and recording music for major brands and clients. In 2005 he co-wrote and produced the music for “The Doodlebops” which became a SOCAN award winning, number one childrens show across Canada and the U.S.
Drawing upon his Canadian roots and his love of hockey, Johnny also took on the challenge of becoming his son Jared’s goaltending coach. Studying under top NHL goaltending coaches at camps in the U.S. and Canada, he coached Jared all the way to a spot on the gold medal winning U.S. National Development Team. Johnny has since become a well known and sought after goaltending coach in the Midwest.
Johnny embraces his multifaceted lifestyle with passion and commitment. Juggling between his two loves keeps him happy, healthy and ready to sing.
Dave Dunlop, guitar
Dave has been a pro guitarist, songwriter, singer, and educator for the past 30 years. Currently, Dave balances his studio work with his touring life as a member of the award-winning duo of Rik Emmett/Dave Dunlop, and Jeans ’n Classics. Emmett and Dunlop won Smooth Jazz Album of the Year and Duo/Group Of The Year in 2007 on the strength of their debut album, Strung-Out Troubadours.
Dave has been an integral member of the Jeans ’n Classics band since 2005, winning rave reviews for his handiwork in many shows, including the music of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton, among others.
Dave was lead guitarist and writer in rock band The Full Nine, signed to Disney’s Mammoth Records in 2001. They had chart success with the single, Not Over. He’s also been a faculty member at the National Summer Guitar Workshop, and has had sideman stints with Bo Diddley, Mike Reno (Loverboy), Ron Sexsmith, and many others. In 2008 Dave joined the re-formed Hall Of Fame act Triumph, supporting the original line-up of Rik Emmett, Gil Moore and Mike Levine.
In 2005 he established Room 9 studio in his Toronto home, where he has been busy recording and producing projects non-stop ever since. His 2016 debut album, Monarch Girl spent 5 weeks at number one on the Maple Music charts. Of late he has up-and-comers Lyric Dubee, and The Launch finalist Trevor LaRose in his studio.
Dave endorses D’Addario strings and picks, Dean guitars, and Godin guitars.
