The Ivanhoe Miniatures - Brass Quintet by Emily Hiemstra (2024)

Описание: The Ivanhoe Miniatures for brass quintet (2024)
I. Friar Tuck
ii. Prince John
iii. Rebecca
iv. Brian de Bois-Guilbert
v. Ivanhoe

Paul Cross, Peter Dong, trumpets
Andrew Brooks, trombone
Ron George, horn
Daniel Montaseri, tuba

performed at Von Kuster Hall, London ON April 3 2024

Composers Notes
After reading Sir Walter Scott's masterpiece, Ivanhoe, I wanted to use the story as inspiration for a new work. Each of the characters he writes are so vividly described, and carry such wonderful story arcs that I wanted to represent a selection of characters in musical form.

My first dive into the novels of notable author Sir Walter Scott was through his work, Ivanhoe. I was struck by the masterful way Scott weaves his narrative together, and the depth and complexity of his character. It is a striking work, not only because it follows the familiar plot of the story of ‘Robin Hood’ but because it is also just a wonderful novel of storytelling.
Through this musical work, I wanted to explore five character sketches from this novel expressed in miniature form. The challenge being concentrating the essence of this person into a one minute movement that can convey to the audience this person’s role within the story of Ivanhoe. Below is a brief outline of each of the five characters chosen (although this work could easily be expanded into seven or nine or eleven movements), and how their musical personification has taken form.

Friar Tuck - He isn’t the bumbling sidekick I remember from Disney’s Robin Hood animation; the friar isn’t only a man of prayer but a fighter. He’s a skilled hunter, a poet, and (of course) a brewer with a keen sense of justice. I wanted to showcase his strength and vigour, while also giving a nod to the medieval period in which this story is set.
Prince John - The younger brother to Richard the Lionheart, Prince John sees his brother’s absence during the crusades as an opportunity to take the throne for himself. He is a scheming, pompous and indecisive leader and everyone knows it. This movement is set sarcastically, with the fanfare continually at odds with Prince John’s theme.
Rebecca - She is the daughter of one of the jewish financiers to the courtiers of the king. She is a shrewd businesswoman, a help to those in need, and a woman of great dignity and composure in the face of slander, danger and death. I thought of all the female characters in this story, she deserved to have a beautiful theme based on her.
Brian de Bois-Guilbert - He is one of the villains of the story. A member of the Knights Templar, he has made a name for himself as a feared and ruthless mercenary, and one supporting the reign of Prince John. Even though through his order he is sworn to celibacy, he falls smitten with Rebecca (the forbidden jewess) and steals her away, hoping to persuade her to become his mistress. The results of these actions will result in his bitter and swift end. This movement is supposed to sound prickly and sharp, like its character. The fast passages are based on the ‘dires irae’, meant to point to his untimely end.
Ivanhoe - The hero of the story; the seeker of justice, one beloved by his subjects, the rescuer of maidens and one who helps restore Richard to the throne. Much more could be said about him, but it would be more rewarding to read about him from Scott himself. His movement uses the opening notes from Prince John’s theme, but set in alignment with the fanfare, a gesture meant to symbolize his true claim to nobility, honour and justice.