Hearing Things Rite

There was a "How I Learned to Relax and Love the Rite of Spring" lecture of sorts from music director William Eddins, and I was introduced to "The Chord" and themes (twitter of birds, the awakening of the earth...).  I laughed at the light parts and attempted to take notes.  But in the end, the piece was still a huge wave that crashed into me and made me anxious in all the parts I couldn't understand or make sense of.  Not exactly like hearing the recording (which Paul had included on his mixed tape), but something similar, many times bigger. 

I wanted to like it because it meant so much to Paul and it was a big night for him to play it again. But if I can't say much about it*, I did appreciate how intricate it was along with the energy that was there in the Winspear with the ESO. 

* The ESO's "The Rite of Spring" blog post however does, including this video:



The group of us (mathies organised by Val including Beth and Ami), with our front row seats were up close to the action. 

I was maybe only 10 feet away from the first half's cello soloist, Lynn Harrell.  Dang, I didn't have my camera ready!  But I probably wouldn't have dared anyway to take a shot mid-piece in case it caused a disturbance.  His pieces were more easily relatable / likable and I enjoyed them.  The only dissonance was that he didn't emote.  This is probably what they call professionalism, but it still feels weird how this beautiful sound comes from a completely blank face.

Aside from missing out on photos of Paul (particularly unfortunate in light of all his trials to get a mute and his own set of tails), I also didn't get any during intermission because it was so dark.  Ami saw me trying there in the lobby (awkwardly, so out of my element), made conversation and remarked on how Paul's latest photos have been really good (his flickr account).  It's pretty amazing the sorts of things he's been doing fitting it all between in work and rehearsals. 

After the standing ovations, there were huge congratulations.  And then we dispersed.  Back to more work. 

Making Moves

I'm so proud of Celina! 

Last night was her high school's Fine Arts Gala.  I'd been hearing (and reading) about her dance practices, but this was my first chance to see her in action. 

The Citadel's "jungle space" had been set up to display paintings and sculptures.  The Maclab Hall was where the performance arts were featured. 

I'd expected only dance numbers,  but the whole thing kicked off with music from the jazz band.  Ah!  That's Mr. Miller on trumpet!  He was my band and vocal jazz teacher! 

Discovering he was still at the school made me curious if my other teachers had stayed.  When I scanned the list, I saw a name extremely similar to Travis's (from the swing days - could Edmonton be so small?), but no one else familiar. 


A few drama performances had been squeezed in too, but the bulk of the program was dance.

Celina's first appearance was in a sequined. shimmery black halter top to  Propellerheads & Shirley Bassey's "History Repeating".

It was later followed by hip hop (with the Hip Hop Collective).  Other members of the group did smaller numbers and one with a swinging lights in the dark. 

 

 

And then Bang Bang by Nancy Sinatra.

For the night's finale, all the different dance groups joined together to cover the whole stage.  Unfortunately, by that time I'd run out of camera memory to tape or take additional photos. 

 

Afterwards, there were hugs and congratulations in the foyer.  I was so happy for Celina's great performance.  But her attention, understandably, was with her friends and fellow performers. 

 

Paul and I caught the bus home.  

 

I thought about this feeling of elation, seeing Celina dance, and again I want to use the word proud, but of course, this wasn't my achievement.  And with that, maybe that's why the secondary feelings mixed in were a bit more blue: Nostalgia and lacking. 

 

I'd liked the songs Celina danced to but Paul actually knew them. In turn, I was able to identify the show tunes and jazz numbers (so there!). Oh, such different musical spheres we have. 

Saluting the Proms

At home, Paul: No, you don't need to volunteer.
At the concert, Grant: Great!  You're here! Would you please...

Eventhough I recognised and remembered a number of the members of the band, it was still a little bit of a surprise that they seem to recognise me. 

As Paul and I ate our packed dinners between sound check and concert, Conductor David sat near us in the hallway.  I commented on his golden knife lapel pin: "That's from Yellowknife, isn't it?"  Turns out it was.  He told us how he'd been invited to go up north to play and introduce music there* and then why it was yellow knife (the knives they used for opening bags of gunpowder were brass so stray sparks wouldn't be created).  And then he rushed off to get ready. 

It was the final concert of MCCB's Season on Saturday. Paul had thought it would be my chance to sit and hear the entire concert, but my services were needed. And actually, I kind of preferred it that way. With clear duties and something to do I felt a little more like I belonged.   It was also a chance to hang out with Sarah (who had also been roped in). 

The earlier than usual start (7 p.m.) seemed to catch many people surprise.  There was a steady stream of latecomers who we directed to go upstairs or to sneak in between songs.  It was another joint concert with the Edmonton Swiss Men's Choir.  When Sarah's mom joined us in the lobby, I realised not everyone likes yodelling.

 

The earlier start time I thought really worked well for the location.  When I peeked in to listen at various points (Chris's fingers amazed again in Pantomime), the stainedglass windows were lit to full glory.  And it meant there was plenty of time in the evening (after the encore strains of When the Saints Go Marching In) for the end of season bash! 

I suspect Paul was very relieved it was over (it's not easy being part of the band and being on the board). The treats I'm sure helped with literal icing on the cake.  Yum!



(Above left: Treble cleft breadsticks in cheese and herb.  Above right: So cute!  Just like a doll.)

 

 

* The story seemed similar to Scott and Kathy's visit, but I didn't think to ask if it was the same trip or program.

Euphonium and Tuba

Until the day, there was still a chance for a surprise - as in, would it be "Euphonium and Tuba", "Piano and Tuba", or "Organ and Tuba"? 

The reason for this uncertainty: Rob had been sick for the past few weeks and his ability to perform on Sunday wasn't guaranteed.  Paul was stressed.  Not only was he practicing and working on the promotional visuals (yep - he's using the stuff he learned in the visual design class), plus regular job stuff, he was also looking for someone who would be willing to step in last minute.  Two people ended up agreeing to help.  But Rob pulled through!

Come Sunday, at All Saints' Anglican Cathedral, they played. 

Thirty people came, including Kevin, Celina, Angie (who I haven't seen since our clean out day), Grant, Ross, Alan, Jane, Scott and Kathy.  Not a bad turnout, as Paul would say, but definitely a labour of love - so much work involved! 

I finally saw Sarah Ho (Paul's accompanist) and realised I had someone completely different in mind attached to the name. 

After the last song, both Paul and Rob came out for a bow and I was half hoping they would do an encore (in particular Rob's arrangement of Delibes' "The Flower Duet").  But they didn't.  Just as well, as Jane said, "They played their all... they'd have to come out and sing!"  Now that ("The Flower Duet" again?) would certainly have been something else! 

(Right: Celina and I both wondered, coincidence or did Rob and Leslie coordinate outfits?)

A Euphonium and Tuba Recital

Paul's next recital is set for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, 28-April-2013 at All Saints' Anglican Cathedral.  Details (and a gorgeous photo of Bessie) below.  See you there!

Brass and Birthday Blast!

There were no fireworks in the bells.  But it was still quite a blast.  The Mill Creek Colliery Band concert "Brass Blast" was in the afternoon and despite the cold weather and snow, still had a decent turn out.  David did the introduction and compere duties, making me giggle when he dramatically recited the lyrics to Jurassic Park (by Weird Al) as preamble for the parody's basis, MacArthur Park. 



My favourite in the concert, even with "Colonel Bogey" as the encore, was sentimentally (and thus predictably), the ‘Sous le Dôme Epais’ arranged as an euphonium duet. 

After the concert, we rushed home and then headed out again to celebrate Steph's birthday. 

Games Night was already in full swing by the time we arrived. 
 

(Above: Steph skeptical about a certain word?) 

(Right: Ken takes a peek at Sophie's Scattegories card.)

(Below: Agricula.) 

But, thankfully, we were not too late for cake or presents.  My gift for Steph garnered a few laughs and inspired a few ideas for other food related buildings (unforutnately, I did not take note for the benefit of future architects)*. 

* It occurs to me now how fun for there to be a Superlambanana banana saver.

(Below: The Butterdome butter dish gets a place of honour in the centre of attention.)  

 

Later, when it was just Steph, Rem, Kathy, Neil, Paul and myself left, we started a game of "Things" completely (with) out the box -  we created our own topics. 

Your slogan / motto if you were a dictator... Things you have forgotten...

Then, Kathy proposed a combination of a person and something they never would have said. 

Submitted:

1. All you need is love.  Hugs all around!  ~ The Marquis de Sade
2. Ciecro never said "Life is like a box of chocolates"
3. Marco Polo never said, "Marco... Polo..."
4. Genghis Khan: "Do we need to annex this bit of land, do you think?"
5. Charles Dickens: I'll make this brief. 

All made us laugh.  The last made Paul gasp.  Then there was the fun of discovering who exactly wrote which one. 

Can you match the answers to the submitters?  Some hints:

1. I missed recording Neil's answer, and
2. Below are photos of the actual submissions.

 

Horn & Tuba

Paul's joint recital is coming soon.  Come see him on tuba, and his friend Ross on natural horn (that's the one with no valves), perform solo works accompanied by piano and harp.

Sunday 29th January 2012 at 7:30 p.m. 

All Saints' Cathedral, 10035 103 Street 

Tickets are $10 at the door.

See you there!

Cantando

The wave started at one end and swooped around.  On its return, the people in the balconies took part too.  And just as though it was an outdoor concert, a balloon floated up into the air. 

Could this really be a high school band festival? 

I don't think Cantando existed back in my high school band and choir days.  Maybe I would have been just as excited to see some live bands, at the very least, the Winspear Centre was a beautiful place to visit. 

"Have you seen so many saxophones in one place? Do not be afraid!"

The Saxophone Festival Mass players started the concert. 

The accoustics in the space were brilliant, perhaps a little too good with sounds of talking, a chirping sneeze, finger snapping (on purpose) all magnified and heard.  More students arrived mid-set and began filling out the choir loft.

Next came the Mill Creek Colliery Band. I was sure I heard a gasp when Chris showed his fingers in the euphonium solo piece My Grandfather's Clock.  Someone even yelled "Thank you British People!" afterwards. 

The dixieland piece that followed had the audience bopping (though not quite to the level of guerilla dancing, I'd told Allan about, at Video Games Live).  There were bells and whistles (including a bugle horn and kazoo), and three cornets (like the three tenors). 

Throughout there were introductions to different brass instruments (some not so commonly found in a high school band) and Bessie was shown off. 

Their set concluded with the Muppet Show theme.  I smiled as tubas swayed, mutes went flying... and then conductor Wendy ended it all with jazz hands. 

The final group was the Manitoba Jazz Quartet.  Students from Manitoba cheered in the introduction.  The members oozed cool* and I imagined myself in a laid back night club. 

* Except maybe the piano player, who's gap between the bottom of his trouser cuffs and socks made me smile.  But all this was made up by the energy he had stomping along to each song, barely contained on the piano bench. 

They played:

1. "Nothing Personal" - which included a crazy drum solo.

2. A bossa nova

3. Thelonius Monk's "Green Chimneys" - which the saxophone player introduced as featuring "Anti-virtuosity": Making wrong notes sound really good.  "You may want to look into that." 

It was chaotic outside in the lobby, but Paul and I did manage to meet up before heading our ways home.  I told him how I liked the performances (perhaps the best I've heard MCCB play).  But I ultimately thought it was the audience that made the show: For each performance they wolf whistling, cried "bravo" and gave standing ovations. Their enthusiasm for the music and the performances was incredible.  And nothing like convention could stop them from expressing their excitement.  It made me feel like I was part of something bigger just being there.

Of Men and Mountains

Chris D: You must be happy about Paul's post doc.
Me: Yes. But I'm not sure if he is.  I'm pretty expensive to maintain.
Chris D: Yeah, I can tell by your $ 400 trainers.

The basement of McDougall United was warmer and brighter than I expected.  The activity rooms had large windows and I soaked in the sun's warmth while I waited for Mill Creek's concert to start.  This one was a joint effort with the Edmonton Swiss Men's Choir. 

The compere called himself the "Au pair" for the occasion. 

When they played the Blue Danube, Grant bopped along to the music and I really wanted to dance too.

Perched on the stage*(for visual effect) were tuba mutes!  I managed to keep the giggling inside while they were there.  But once Paul started playing with one, I again just wanted to laugh. 




The Alp Horn was introduced with the choir, as:

1. Wood wrapped with cane (the mouth piece is of the same)
2. 11 1/2 feet long, also known as "the height of two men", and
3. in the key of F#.

Its sound kind of matched what expected (as in the Ricola commercials).  But the yodelling, wow!  I didn't think it could be so lovely (aside from Maria in Sound of Music, yodelling seems to usually be some kind of joke).  The female conductor also sang for a couple of songs and it was all quite beautiful. 

I think it was a good match for the band. And now I know about another interesting group in the city. 

* I actually got to hold one in my arms and while it was big enough to hide my torso, it was also surprisingly light.  

Home and Away for the Holidays

Paul was away in Leduc Saturday for a Mill Creek concert.  I took his absence as the perfect opportunity to decorate.  To the sounds of Escape Pod (finally getting to some that Erik had recommended), lights and crocheted snowflakes were taped up and the tree was plugged in. 

House Hippo and Coconut stayed mostly out of my way having their own fun. 

(Right: Playing with the balloons from Sarah's party / Below: More dreams of flying.)

The next day, in anticipation of a crazy full evening, Paul and I had a quieter afternoon.  We watched Amadeus (oh that crazy Mozart - portrayed as an annoying child as much as a genius) and tried another food experiment.  Fifty cloves of garlic were peeled and cooked with chicken (because 40 in that other recipe just wasn't enough :P).

Fragrant with garlic we headed out to the first stop of the evening: Paul's MCCB Home for the Holidays concert at Convocation Hall.  Wendy was the guest conductor.  Chris had a solo that proved again he has amazing fingers.  The compere told the sad story behind "None Shall Sleep" (Matthew's account of Herod's decree that all boys under 2 years of age were to be killed in attempt to kill baby Jesus). 

The most fun part of the concert for me was when they played Carol of the Bells (one of my favourite Christmas songs) to find that there were dark tones.  Could it be the basses and trombones were interweaving a Star Wars theme?

(Right: Many mutes.)

Music still in our ears, we head over to the Toaster's Christmas party at Coach Blaine's house.  Unfortunately, we were so late, some people had already left.  But, at least there was still plenty of food. 

Though I don't have any photos, we spent a couple hours rocking out on Rock Band.  Cynthia showed her "Sexy Beast" side.  I attempted to drum with System of a Down.  Hm... that last one... at least my mocha cupcakes had better reception.   

Sackbut and Serpent, and Not Finding SM

Who knew from following someone on the LRT with what looked like a trombone case, one would be lead to a renaissance revival band? 

Well, Paul might have had and inkling of this when he started speaking to Norm. But I was simply suprised.  (And regretful, to forget my camera at work again!)

The Edmonton Sackbone Express is a group of musicians who decided to pick up the renaissance instrument, the sackbut* (a precursor to the trombone), to perform pieces of that time frame.  Yesterday, they were in the lobby of the Winspear Centre opening for the night's ESO performance.  There was even an additional special treat: Someone brought out the "Serpent" (supposedly a precursor to a euphonium, but to me looks almost like a woodwind) for several pieces. 

As we watched, Paul recognised more people from the music community.  I half wondered then if he was meant to be attending this concert...

Our plans for the night were fairly flexible, only asking the question WWSMB? (Where would Stephen Mandel be?) for our next destination.  But after the Sackbone Express performance, we were too hungry to really quibble and went to Double Greeting.  (He wasn't there.)

A copy of The Tomato (what used to be City Palate) helped me to come up with a few more potential names for the tuba quartet, but "Crostini", "Greenwoods", and the flip-and-point-with-eyes-closed choice "Hit Red", were all dismissed. 

WWSMB? 

We go to the Second Cup (still cold, but not as cold as before) and indulged in some cheesecake.  This time while eating, Paul told me about his current read: Gödel, Escher, Bach.  From the title I thought it was about music, but he told me it asked and tried to answer the question"What is awareness?"

We wait for the bus, ready to go home now.  And, proving again that he knows more people than me, find the Safewalk person waiting with a client was actually a student in his class.  Small world.  But then there were a lot of people down town... oh, right the Saskatchewan Rough riders were in town for Grey Cup festivities (I'm so out of touch with sports). 

So... maybe SM was just around the corner...

* Apparently "sackbut" means "conical shape", the juvenile me just thinks it sounds vaguely rude and thus funny.  Another tidbit: Turns out the University of Saskatchewan has a stash of them.  Think maybe they've come to see the instruments?  :P

The Unnamed-Quartet-of-Big-Horns: In Concert

"He's letting you carry it?! Woah, he doesn't even let me touch it!"
~ Alden, on how Paul must really love me (eventhough I can't actually lift the tuba onto my back with the backpack)

... Four Strong Winds... Heavy Metal... Tuphonium... The Bell Bottoms... Edmonton Pipefitters... The 50 Foot Tubas*...

Despite all the great audience suggestions submitted at their first big gig, the Unnamed-Quartet-of-Big-Horns, is still not officially named. 

(Right: During the intermission, deliberating on the submissions.)

So much for their "It might be a bit game-showy, but that's just how we are" statement. 

Still, they put on a great show.  Chris showed again that he's got fingers.  Paul gave us some background on fugues.  And then they sent us off with a folksong: Tetris! 

It was a pretty cold night and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church was not warm. 

We kept our coats on and stayed bundled up.  But Steph had a second way to keep her hands warm. 

(Below: A page from the church's guest book, documenting a royal visit.)

 

* The euphonium is apparently a tenor tuba and 50 feet is supposedly the approximate length of all their instruments tubing combined.