The VSO presents Canada's Gryphon Trio performing Jeffrey Ryan's latest work - a World Premiere performance, in the Gryphon Trio's VSO debut. Also on the program, the planetary soundscapes of Gustav Holst's cosmic masterpiece, The Planets. Maestro Bramwell Tovey conducts. The Concerts will take place on February 2 and 4, at 8pm.
Jeffrey Ryan (whose muse happens to be Gustav Holst) was the VSO's Composer in Residence from 2002 to 2007. Mr. Ryan's latest work, co-commissioned by the Vancouver Symphony and the Toronto Symphony, is a triple concerto entitled Equilateral. In Mr. Ryan's words:
The title Equilateral suggests an equilateral triangle - the three equal partners of the solo trio. But the word 'equilateral' more generally means "equal-sided" and so, in this concerto, the orchestra is not mere accompaniment but plays an equally important role. The first movement is subtitled Breathless, and takes as its inspiration the fact that violinists, cellists and pianists don't have to stop playing to breathe. In these six minutes of high energy and racing pulse, the three soloists are treated as one unit, sometimes set against the orchestra, sometimes becoming part of it. In contrast, the contemplative Points of Contact explores ways by which we seek connection, both with others and within our selves. Two texts provide the underlying inspiration. First, a letter written by poet Arthur Rimbaud, in which he seeks publication of his first works and calls out to his creative Muse, is given an Anglican-chant-like rhythmic setting by various sections of the orchestra, while each soloist in turn extemporises above. After a transitional passage, the Hebrew words of the Mourners' Kaddish are set instrumentally for the orchestra, creating the effect of congregational "davening" under a halo of chimes, temple bowls and pedal points. The prayer's final "amen," begun by the orchestra and completed by the piano, leads to the concerto's solo cadenza, a lament on death and loss. This connects directly into the final movement, Serpentine, whose sinuous lines and earthy, primal rhythms close the work with a vibrant affirmation of the dance of life.
The Gryphon Trio consists of violinist Annalee Patipatanakoon, pianist Jamie Parker, and cellist Roman Borys. All active Canadian-born solo artists, this talented group of individuals form the Gryphon Trio ensemble, which has performed in many parts of Canada and the United States, and around the world. It was a natural fit to think of the Gryphon Trio for the premiere of Equilateral, and the VSO is excited to welcome them to the Orpheum stage for the auspicious event.
Jeffrey Ryan's muse, Gustav Holst, wrote The Planets after a tour of Spain in 1912 that introduced the composer to Astrology. Composed between 1914 and 1916, The Planets musically represents the seven planets (excluding Earth) that were known at the time, as follows:
Mars, the Bringer of War, presents a harrowing portrait of cold, inhuman power. The brass section takes centre stage, hammering forth harsh blocks of sound over an implacable, motor-like rhythmic tread. Early audiences were convinced that Holst had intended this music as a portrait of the world war that had recently ended. In fact he had completed the sketches before it broke out.
Venus, the Bringer of Peace offers total contrast: a calm, tranquil reverie, set far from the scene of any conflict and shot through with gorgeous instrumental solos. Holst associated Mercury, the Winged Messenger with the process of human thought. It flits by with appropriate speed and delicacy. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity has both its jovial feet planted firmly on the ground. Hearty tunes steeped in Holst's study of English folk-dances drive the opening and closing sections. In between rests a hymn-like theme evoking a more ceremonial type of rejoicing.
In the miniature tone poem Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age, Holst sets forth his views on the stages of human life: the uncertain beginning, the struggles and heartbreaks of maturation, and finally the emergence in late years of wisdom, with its serene acceptance of imperfection and mortality.
Next comes the dynamic conjuring act of Uranus, the Magician. Holst puts the orchestra through many spectacular paces, dramatic and grotesquely humorous alike. The suite concludes with the cool, disembodied meditations of Neptune, the Mystic. They arrive as if having traveled across vast distances of outer and inner space. -- www.vancouversymphony.ca
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