The Man, The Snake and The Fox

The Man, The Snake and The Fox

2013-14 / Chamber Music

DURATION
15 minutes, 30 seconds

INSTRUMENTATION
violin, various native courtship flutes, piano, native drum

COMMISSIONED BY
Ralitsa Tcholakova (violinist)

  1. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 1 - The Weary Unlucky Hunter Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Dominique Moreau (frame drum), Benjamin Smith (piano) 04:36
  2. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 2 - Cries for Help Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Dominique Moreau (frame drum) 02:02
  3. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 3 - The Snake Convinces the Hunter Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Dominique Moreau (frame drum), Benjamin Smith (piano) 00:44
  4. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 4 - The Snake Attacks the Hunter Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Dominique Moreau (frame drum), Benjamin Smith (piano) 00:57
  5. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 5 - The Fox Tricks the Snake and Saves the Hunter Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Benjamin Smith (piano) 01:55
  6. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 6 - The Hunter Thanks and Promises Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Dominique Moreau (frame drum) 02:14
  7. The Man, The Snake and The Fox - Movt 7 - Don't You Remember? Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin), Ron Korb (native courtship flutes), Dominique Moreau (frame drum), Benjamin Smith (piano) 03:23

Programme Notes

This composition is inspired by the Ojibwa legend of the same name. The seven movements tell the story of the legend through a blend of instruments traditionally associated with Indigenous cultures and the Western classical tradition. The composition was conceived and created with the utmost respect and appreciation for all of Canada’s First Nations communities.

MOVEMENTS:

1. The Weary and Unlucky Hunter
Dragging but steady pace. Bursts of quick notes emulate arrows that miss their target, and expressive melodic moments reflect the Hunter’s yearning to capture food for his family. All four instruments (including Native Flute in G). Duration: 4:30

2. Cries for Help
Very free/loose beat, almost like it’s improvised. The flute emulates mysterious cries for help, while rubbing the skin of the drum imitates the hiss of the snake. Native Flute in D and drum only. Duration: 2:00

3. The Snake Convinces the Hunter
Sneaky, cajoling sound. All instruments except for the flute. Duration: 0:45

4. The Snake Attacks the Hunter
Very aggressive, fast, and rhythmic. All instruments (including the A Double-Barreled Native Flute). Duration: 1:00

5. The Fox Tricks the Snake and Saves the Hunter
Carefree in tone, the Fox Theme. The movement ends contentedly to reflect the fact that the Hunter is now safe. For piano, violin, and Native Flute in E. Duration: 2:00

6. The Hunter Thanks and Promises
Proud in tone. For Native Flute in G, percussion, and violin. Duration: 2:00

7. “Don’t You Remember?”
The opening emulates the tragic series of events: The Fox is eating meat from the Hunter’s food stash (percussion), the Hunter fires on the fox (loud piano chord), and the fox screams in pain (high violin note). The rest of the piece expresses the Hunter’s melancholy regret for the mistake he has made. All instruments, including Native Flute in A. Duration: 3:30

NFB Film that inspired this composition:
Part 1 of 2
Part 2 of 2

Land Acknowledgement:
This composition was composed on land that is the territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnahbeg, the Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, and the Wendat people. It is still home to many diverse First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people.

I recognize the historic oppression of the original peoples, and cultures, and land, in what we now call Canada, and that inequality and racism are a part of Canada today. By making this land acknowledgment, I hope to make a small gesture to reconciliation, and to honour Indigenous heritage which dates back over 10,000 years.

– Frank Horvat

Aboriginal Inspirations

RECORDING
Aboriginal Inspirations
Ron Korb (flute & native flutes), Dominique Moreau (native drum), Benjamin Smith (piano), Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin, viola)

PERFORMANCES
World Premiere (1st movement)
September 28, 2013
Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin)
Ron Korb (flutes)
Mark Ferguson (piano)
Beverly Souliere (native drum)
MacKay United Church
Ottawa, Canada

World Premiere (complete)
February 8, 2014
Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin)
Ron Korb (flutes)
Frank Horvat (piano)
Beverly Souliere (native drum)
Canadian Music Centre
Toronto, Canada

February 8, 2015
Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin)
Jen McLachen (flute)
Nick Rodgerson (piano)
Dominique Moreau (native drum)
St. John Evangelist Church
Ottawa, Canada

May 28, 2015
Ralitsa Tcholakova (violin)
Jen McLachen (flute)
Elaine Keillor (piano)
Dominique Moreau (native drum)
Parliament Hill
Ottawa, Canada

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