World Music Exploration - Claude Champagne

This time, we are exploring some classical-style Canadian music. Our featured composer is Claude Champagne. 

Claude Champagne lived from 1891to 1965. Born in Montréal, he started piano and music theory at the age of 10. He was a composer, teacher, adjudicator and administrator. 

Champagne wrote for orchestra, piano, organ and choir. He also wrote five solfège teaching manuals, served as assistant director of the new Conservatoire de Musique du Québec and later became the editor-in-chief of the Canadian publications department of BMI Canada Ltd. (1949-65) and as an adjudicator or juror for many competitions. Fellow Canadian Clermont Pépin once said that Champagne "established the basis of a modern teaching approach for the training of young musicians in Québec."

This week's clip is from Champagne's first major work, the symphonic poem Hercule et Omphale

World Music Exploration - Newfoundland Folk Music

My colleague Katrina may cheer over this week's music selection. We are heading east, all the way to Newfoundland for this clip. This is a traditional song from Newfoundland called "Lukie's Boat" -McInnis' Kitchen. This band performs Celtic music from Ireland, Cape Breton, NS and Newfoundland. They tour throughout Canada and the United States. Here they are:

(c) 2011 by Musespeak(TM), Calgary, Alberta, Canada. All rights reserved.

World Music Exploration - French Canadian Fiddle Music

Later this month, we will be celebrating Canada Music Week. Whenever there's a celebration, however, I like to stretch it out for as long as possible. So Maestro and I hereby declare November as "Canada Music Month".

The French and the English were the first European nations to colonize Canada. Yes, they were preceded by the Vikings but they didn't stay long. Yes, the First Nations people were here first. We highlighted them last year.

We are kicking things November with some French Canadian fiddle music. Long ago, I used to stepdance (Ottawa Valley style), so this brings back memories. These are the Thomsons, a father and son duo, performing three reels:

Great Performances - VuVox Acapella Disney Medley

My students and I have been sorting out their ensemble pieces for their upcoming group classes. In my search to find some great Disney numbers, I stumbled upon this entertaining Disney medley by VuVox Acapella. Their pitch is incredible (always impressive with such a large a cappella group.

They are also just fun to watch, which is what makes this great. They really get into their characters. The audience is captivated throughout (always a good sign):

World Music Exploration - Cajon Peruano

This week's clip features my tertiary instrument: the cajon! This percussion instrument is Afro-Peruvian in origin, developed by slaves. Now, it's played worldwide in Latin, Flamenco, pop, rock and jazz music.