Chamber music. We've all heard of it, but do we know what it is?
As its name suggests, it's music meant to be performed in a relatively small venue, but that's not its main essence. Chamber music is written for each instrument to have its own voice; there are no sections, it is an ensemble of individuality.
Jaya Hoy, Paul Hyunbai and Scott McKnight let their individuality shine Saturday during a chamber music recital at Third Avenue United Church. The number in the audience may have been disappointing, with about 40 attending, but those who braved the chill of the afternoon were "transported," as one patron stated.
The credentials of the musicians belied the size of the audience, and their own enjoyment could not be mistaken.
Hoy, co-founder of the recital series Music for the Soul under whose umbrella Saturday's concert fell, is an internationally known musician who has trained and performed extensively in Europe, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Originally from North Battleford, she has been playing since she was three years old. She now lives in Saskatoon teaching and accompanying students. Last year she was named the official accompanist for Saskatchewan at the National Music Festival where she accompanied four young musicians.
She is also on the board of directors of the non-profit Gustin/Trounce Heritage Committee Inc, established to present musical recitals, support for the musical formation of youth and research and dissemination of information on the Gustin legacy.
Also of Saskatoon, McKnight holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Ottawa and a Chamber Music Diploma from Wilfred Laurier University.
An ardent chamber musician, he has performed with many ensembles, including the Saskatoon and Regina symphonies, and is involved in El Sistema in Saskatoon, a free daily music program for children.
McKnight has been involved in various musical endeavours in the Battlefords.
Clarinetist Paul Hyunbai, whose expressive performance is a treat for his audience to watch as well hear, holds a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in Clarinet from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He played in a number of orchestras in Seoul before emigrating to Canada. Since moving here, he has impressed a number of audiences in the Battlefords and is a member of the local concert band.
The three musicians began the program with Beethoven's Clarinet Trio Opus 38, which they have also performed at the famed Gustin House in Saskatoon.
Hoy explained to the audience the piece is actually Beethoven's arrangement of his Wind Septet (Op. 10) scored for clarinet, horn, bassoon, violin, viola, cello and bass. It was an instant hit when it was first completed at the turn of the 19th century and, at the request of his doctor and friend, Dr. Johann Schmidt, he arranged a version that could be played by just three instruments.
Hoy and Hyunbai performed Clarinet Sonata, Opus 167 in B Flat by Camille Saint-Saens, who died at the age of 85 in 1921, still active as a composer and conductor. Among his last completed works were sonatas for oboe, clarinet and bassoon, about which he said, "I am using my last energies to add to the repertoire for these otherwise neglected instruments."
The afternoon was completed with an arrangement for cello by Maurice Marechal of Manuel de Falla's popular vocal work penned in 1913 based on authentic regional folk songs of Spain.
The Music for the Soul recital series was established in 2010 by Hoy and mezzo-soprano Lisa Hornung. Both have enjoyed internationally-based careers and have used their contacts to put together exciting and high-profile concerts for Battlefords residents, including local, national and international talent.
Music for the Soul has brought in such artists as:
Chris Kelly, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a double major in piano and voice who also a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Western Ontario;
Mark Turner, co-artistic director of Saskatoon Youth Music Theatre and collaborative pianist;
James Legge, principal violist with the Saskatoon Symphony;
Terry Heckman, principal trumpet of the Saskatoon Symphony and bandmaster of the Saskatoon Brass Band;
American violinist/composer Myra Lin, who has been performing as a recitalist and chamber musician to audiences throughout the United States, Canada and Europe for over 25 years;
Arlene Shiplett, formerly of North Battleford, who holds a Bachelor in Music Education University of Saskatchewan, has played with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and teaches French horn;
The Dynamic Duo, consisting of cellists Christina Bakanec and Katie Finch, who have both studied under master musicians and have performed nationally; and
Hugh McPhail, baritone, an Edmonton lawyer and member of the Edmonton Opera Association, brother to Jaya Hoy.
Local artists also joined the series, including North Battleford Comprehensive High School music/band teacher Adam Streisel, accompanist Gary Gansauge and trumpet player Jack Tatchell.
