Urban Flute Project

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Demersserman

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Harris

I was heading by bike in the general direction of Carlton University’s fabled tunnels, when a most incredible Victorian exhibition building came into view, its’ massive 20′ wooden doors opened and welcoming me in to look around and explore the space. The building was deserted and wonderfully impressive, even fanatstic: I was half-awake, so you be the judge.

Only later did I discover that this building, The Aberdeen Pavilion, built in 1898, amusingly goes by the name of the Cattle Barn, or Cow Palace, and was originally inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.

With the gentle morning light streaming in, I parked my faithful Brodie and played through a couple of etudes from 76 Studies, published by Faber Music. The first study to catch my eye was the playful, carnival-like music of Jules A. Demersserman, and the second a more lyrical and dreamy etude by one of the compiler of theses studies, Paul Harris: perfect for the space!

I have always loved the music of Demersserman, full of French charm as it is; I believe the original version of this study has carefully placed grace notes, so, as my latte from the Spark Street had not fully kicked in, please don’t consider this anything like the definitive version, especially with my unexpected rallentando midway through and dump trucks going about their business just outside in the expansive (read ‘prime real estate’) parking lot.

Once slated for demolition, this building is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture, and, restored some time ago, seems to be standing up to the tests of time far better than its’ modern companion, the Ottawa Civic Centre, which has fallen somewhat into disuse. I have even heard that part of the stadium seating has been condemned. Suggestion: don’t sit in the south seats!

Apparently condos are on the way, however I trust that the Cow Palace will be spared the wrecking ball.

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Yodelling Etude

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Andersen Etude

Speaking of labyrinths…

There are a lot of Ottawa-types that I happen to know here in Toronto, and a friend, when he heard that I was heading to Ottawa for a quick visit, tipped me off about incredible underground pedestrian tunnels that lace beneath Carlton University’s campus. In fact, this friend sent me off with a GoogleMap filled with red X’s and hastily scribbled notes about prime places to explore and record, some legit tourist destinations (like the National Art Gallery, The War Museum, etc, each potentially with their own red-tape for me to get clearance to play), and other locations much more ‘off limits’, such as the secret tunnels under the Parliament Buildings.

To play even briefly in the darkened, gothic entranceway of the Parliament Buildings, for example, or in the recently renovated Library at the rear of the site would be a dream come true; however with this being such a quick trip, I decided to try to coordinate that another time.

The acoustics in this labyrinth did not disappoint, and this Yodelling Song seemed the perfect vehicle to sample the lingering echo, as well as a Barcerolle by Andersen. Between semesters, the tunnels were largely deserted, however you might here the din and whirr of passing service carts, as well as some footfall and the sound of conversation.

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Bells & Whistles!

In Toronto, you know that summer – and the greening of the city – is surely on the way when you hear the cheerful bell of the knife-sharpening truck! If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the driver ringing his bell in time to his whistling: the tune is familiar, but I just can’t put my finger on it! Talk about ‘whistle while you work’ as he moves about the city sharpening garden shears and lawn mowers…happy gardening: Happy Earth Day!

If you are looking to mark the day in an unusual way, you might want to check out an Earth Day Walk, a free noon-hour event at the Toronto Public Labyrinth tucked in on the west side of the Eaton Centre. I’m off to Ottawa for the day (long story!), otherwise I’d go and check out some amazing Medieval Music!

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The Song My Paddle Sings

This playful summercraft immediately catches the eye upon entering The Canadian Canoe Museum, and is definitely one of the more unusual canoes that I discovered there when I visited Peterborough, Ontario recently. The boat was donated to the museum by Canadian author Farley Mowat, who was renowned for his love of nature and the environment. He may never have picked up the flute, but he must certainly have enjoyed this other ‘wind’ instrument, a delightful sailcraft of pale blue replete with brilliant orange sail.

This whimsical and cheerful colour combo is in stark contrast to images of the imposing black hull of the sea-worthy RV Farley Mowat currently in the news, which was recently seized by the RCMP in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Charges of interfering with the annual seal hunt suggest a different type of sailing altogether!

As the politics of the seal hunt – and especially this recent drama on the high seas – are hotly debated, the hunt carries on out on the ice flows. As much as my sympathies generally lean towards such organizations as Sea Shepherd Conservation Society at the eye of this kind of political storm, my heart goes out to the the sealers and their ‘traditional way of life’, their families and communities.

I find it difficult to come to an informed opinion about the situation, as the media doesn’t generally explore the underlying complexities of the situation. It is my understanding that at least a partial cull of the cute little seal pups is critical in part to reduce depletion of cod stocks (adult seals eat tons of fish!).Hyperpole on both sides? As far as headlines are concerned, and Bridgitte Bardot notwithstanding, scientific evidence is as depleted as the cod stocks; I guess Bridgitte deserves a fair shake, however, so here’s the link to her Paris-based Fondation.

Politics aside, just a note about the music here…oh, right: the music! It was pointed out by one of my adult students that this lyrical piece is a musical setting of words by the famous poet Emily Pauline Johnson. Pauline Johnson was the first Native poet to publish works in Canada, and her story is a fascinating one: “My aim, my joy, my pride is to sing the glories of my people.”

This piece, arranged by James Gordon, can be found in The Music of Canoesongs, published by the Ottawa Folklore Centre. Sales of this book and accompanying CD help support the Canoe Museum.

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Bozza, Divertimento

Here’s an evening image of the Unitarian Congregation of Mississauga’s glorious new Great Hall. I’ve been in the midsts of very enjoyable rehearsals with friends/colleagues for what should be a delightful afternoon recital of duos, trios and quartets on Sunday afternoon. I can’t wait to see what this wonderful space looks like with the daylight pouring in!

They’re calling for lousy weather on Sunday, April 13th, so if you aren’t out gardening that afternoon, please drop by and enjoy a relaxed and eclectic program for Flute, Oboe, Saxophone & Piano…see details below. (more…)

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Vasks, White Landscape

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Weill, Youkali

Here are a couple of more sound files from a recent rehearsal for this Sunday’s concert…hope you can make it!