Composer

:

Jean Coulthard

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1948

Average_duration

:

9:15

'Quebec May' is a choral work composed by Jean Coulthard, a Canadian composer, in 1951. The piece was premiered on May 22, 1952, by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Bach Choir, conducted by John Avison. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a gentle and lyrical setting of a poem by Canadian poet E.J. Pratt. The choir sings of the beauty of the Quebec landscape in May, with its "green and gold" fields and "blue and silver" rivers. The strings provide a delicate accompaniment, with long, flowing lines that evoke the natural beauty of the setting. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a traditional Quebecois folk song. The choir sings in French, with a jaunty melody that is accompanied by the strings in a lively dance-like rhythm. The music is full of energy and vitality, capturing the spirit of the Quebecois people and their love of music and dance. The final movement, marked "Andante," is a more contemplative setting of a poem by Canadian poet Bliss Carman. The choir sings of the "deep and tranquil" beauty of the Quebec landscape, with its "silent hills" and "dreaming streams." The strings provide a rich and sonorous accompaniment, with long, sustained chords that create a sense of peace and serenity. Overall, 'Quebec May' is a beautiful and evocative work that captures the natural beauty and cultural richness of Quebec. Coulthard's use of choral and string textures creates a rich and varied sound world that is both lyrical and rhythmic, and the work stands as a testament to the composer's skill and sensitivity.

More....