Composer

:

Ernest MacMillan

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

4:37

Ernest MacMillan's 'Cortege académique' is a ceremonial march that was composed in 1935. It was premiered on June 10, 1935, at the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall, during the university's spring convocation ceremony. The piece was commissioned by the university to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The 'Cortege académique' is a single-movement work that is approximately six minutes in length. It is scored for a large orchestra, including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings. The piece begins with a stately introduction, featuring the brass and percussion sections. The main theme is then introduced by the strings, which is a regal and dignified melody that is reminiscent of a traditional academic procession. The piece then progresses through a series of variations on the main theme, with each section of the orchestra taking turns playing the melody. The variations are characterized by changes in tempo, dynamics, and orchestration, with the brass and percussion sections taking on a more prominent role in some sections. The 'Cortege académique' is a grand and majestic work that is well-suited for ceremonial occasions. It is characterized by its regal and dignified melody, which is expertly developed through a series of variations. The piece is also notable for its use of brass and percussion, which add a sense of grandeur and pomp to the work. Overall, Ernest MacMillan's 'Cortege académique' is a masterful work that is a fitting tribute to the academic tradition. Its premiere at the University of Toronto's spring convocation ceremony in 1935 was a great success, and the piece has since become a staple of ceremonial music.

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