VSO Season Finale - Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Dorothy Changb. Winfield, Illinois / November 12, 1970Chamber VariationsChamber Variations was commissioned fora performance in the Assembly Chamberof the New York State Capitol Building, witheach movement inspired by a differentaspect of this magnificent historical hall.The first movement, ‘Stone and Granite’takes it inspiration from the grandeur of theoriginal structure. Completed in 1879, thehall featured a huge Gothic-arch vaultedstone ceiling with numerous supporting ribsand four massive granite pillars. The musicmirrors the architectural structure of theroom, with pairs of instruments outliningindependent lines rising at various rates,and an overall air of stateliness. The secondmovement, ‘Spin Machine’, is characterizedby declamatory statements and surges ofmotion and intensity. The fast paced energyof this movement is meant to convey asense of ‘fast-forwarding’ through time withconstant shifts and bustling activity. The thirdmovement, ‘In Stillness’, is a reflection of theAssembly Chamber as it stands today, withits original floors covered in deep rich redcarpeting and the grand stone ceiling hiddenby wooden reinforcements. The room is moreserene than grandiose, but still striking. ‘InStillness’ depicts the beauty of the afternoonsun streaming through the chamber’sstained-glass windows, creating a warm glowthroughout the silent hall.Program Notes © 2011 Dorothy ChangTim Bradyb. Montréal, Québec / July 11, 1956HardcoreMy wife introduced me to the music of TheTragically Hip in the 1990’s. Their leadsinger, Gord Downie, also writes the lyrics,which I love. So when I discovered a bookof his poetry in a second-hand book storein Halifax, I knew I had to write this piece,inspired by the words of Gord Downie. ■Program Notes © 2011 Tim Bradyallegro 31