In my late teens, I was furthering my studies in new music and was soon introduced to Alexina Louie’s work. One of her pieces in particular “Scenes From A Jade Terrace” is truly an exploration of pianistic integrity, storytelling, and thoughtful sonic discoveries. Louie’s work and story is incredibly inspirational, and evidently shows how music and pianism is non-linear and a bounty of creativity can flow in any way that speaks to who you are. Every time I listen to "Scenes From A Jade Terrace" over the years, there is always a new element that makes us sit, close our eyes, and zero in on the nuances that sparkle. This is deeply unique as each pianist approaches this piece differently, continuing the legacy of this timeless work.
A true Canadian icon, decorated award winner and trailblazer, Alexina Louie composed Scenes From A Jade Terrace in 1987, commissioned by Jon Kimura Parker through the CBC and the Ontario Arts Council. This piece reflects both Louie’s and Parker’s Asian heritage, exploring the fusion of Eastern and Western musical languages. Written in three movements, “Warrior”, “Memories In An Ancient Garden”, and “Southern Sky”, Louie describes the movements as such:
“...the first two movements of which are reminiscences of an imaginary lone figure seated on a terrace in China. This terrace overlooks a fragrant garden set against the backdrop of a valley.”
Each movement explores a narrative that allows you to visualize it like a mise-en-scène. The piano moves through each movement with great virtuosity, vulnerability and colour as it produces sound effects and ghostly conjurers using the inside of the piano. From a myriad of resonating overtones, moments of pause and reflection, and flurry of melodies and sonorities, "Scenes From A Jade Terrace" translates this dramatic energy with such care and fearlessness, and anyone who listens will truly be sonically transported with the ghosts of the distant past.
