Northdale Music Press Vive la Canadienne - Coakley - Concert Band - Gr. 5

Composer: Donald Coakley
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: 5

Vive la Canadienne is one of six compositions for concert band that premiered July 1, 1986 at the Canada and Ontario Pavilions at Expo 86 in Vancouver. Funded by the Ontario Arts Council, the Northdale Concert Band commissioned works by six composers to mark the International Year of Canadian Music.

Each composer was asked to create an entertaining piece appropriate for national and heritage events-to provide melodic, festive, and accessible music to foster the atmosphere of a celebration. Vive la Canadienne meets this mandate with a vibrant toast to one Canadian girl, using as its melody the rousing traditional French Canadian chanson Par derrier' chez mon pere.

Throughout the composition, Coakley treats this tune with lively brass fanfares, brilliant woodwind flourishes, and imaginative variations, bringing the work to an exciting and colourful conclusion.

A spirited work in one movement based on the traditional French Canadian folk tune, this work features rapid technical passages in the upper winds and requires a solid bottom as well as a fearless trombone section. Open the show with this energetic exploration of a tune familiar to every Canadian!
Duration: 4:30