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The Quebec Vienese Music Society
The Infernal Waltz |
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The Quebec Vienese Music Society “An enormous contribution to the Viennese traditional music, an impeccable style.”Johann Strauss Musicology Society of Vienna’s journal – December 2005 Viennese music runs deep within the veins of Jean Deschênes, artistic director of the Quebec Viennese Music Society, an organization offering an exciting journey back to the rich music and culture of Vienna at the turn of the 20th century. No other ensemble on the American continent is so highly dedicated to promoting the genre while remaining scrupulously faithful to its original character. Despite its geographical location, the QVMS is reputed for the impressive authenticity of its productions, having received numerous acknowledgements from Vienna’s highest musical authorities. The Society is also proud to have Dr Eduard Strauss (great-great nephew of Johann Strauss II) and his wife, Susanne Strauss, as honorary patrons. Over the past 20 years, the Viennese-blooded Canadians of the QVMS have pursued numerous ventures and established several specialized music ensembles. In addition to transporting North-American audiences to the heart of old Vienna, the QVMS’ original Schrammel ensemble has toured Europe on many occasions. Moreover, the Society’s extensive discography is of tremendous cultural value, and several of its recordings have been acclaimed by the most prestigious international critics. Truly, the Quebec Viennese Music Society is fuelled by its passionate founder and artistic director, Jean Deschênes, who has succeeded in conveying the convivial and spontaneous nature of traditional Viennese music to today’s audiences. Though the Society’s productions are as numerous as they are diverse, they all share the same purpose: to offer audiences a truly authentic visual and aural experience!
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The Infernal Waltz « There is in these pieces by Johann and Josef Strauss, a charming and joyful mood very well expressed by the musicians ».Claude Gingras/ La Presse Created in 2004 by the Quebec Viennese Music Society to commemorate Johann Strauss senior’s 200th birthday, The Infernal Waltz is a multimedia concert featuring the music of the Strauss dynasty, who scorned the aristocracy of the time, along with its etiquette. One must remember that in the 19th century, several aristocrats attempted in vain to ban the waltz, which was rapidly increasing in popularity. Disregarding these puritans, Johann Strauss (considered the first true star of Western music) and his sons, Johann Strauss II, Josef, and Eduard, conquered Europe and waltzed their way to fame, paving the road for many stars of the 20th century. Inspired by rural dances in 3/4 time, these waltzes are not without evoking the music of the great Empress Sisi’s lavish ballrooms. Featuring seven musicians, various screen projections, and dynamic host Jean Deschênes, The Infernal Waltz is sure to satisfy and delight the audience. Down with the age-old minuet, put on your best redingotes and top hats... and let the waltz begin! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Viennese Promenade Authentic” is the single word that best describes the Quebec Viennese Music Society, and it most definitely applies here. In this concert entitled Viennese Promenade, the Transatlantik Schrammel ensemble—the only one of its kind in North America—offers a splendid overview of Schrammelmusik, the most popular style of Viennese folk music. Drawing from a vast repertoire of waltzes, polkas, and other lively music styles, the musicians offer superb performances that reflect their vivid passion and their undisputed mastery of the genre. That they have received high praise from critics over the years is certainly no surprise. Deriving its name from prolific folk composers Johann and Josef Schrammel, Schrammelmusik took form in the wine taverns of Vienna towards the end of the 19th century and is a sort of fusion between traditional Viennese music and that of Hungarian, Slovenian and Czech immigrants. It should be noted that the ensemble from Quebec employs the instrumentation of the Schrammel brothers’ original quartet (violins, Viennese accordion, G clarinet, and contraguitar). From its humble beginnings, Schrammelmusik rapidly conquered the Viennese nobility, and nowadays, it is usually performed in high-profile concert venues. Deeply penetrated by the spirit of the music, the Transatlantik Schrammel ensemble, however, plunges the audience into the welcoming atmosphere of old Vienna’s taverns and cafés, where the proletarian art form originated. Note that Viennese Promenade will be enhanced by various screen projections. A performance well worth hearing… and seeing! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Viennese Bouquet A fragrant assortment of waltzes, lieder, and polkas, arranged in a sumptuous Viennese Bouquet! For the past five years, soprano Monika Hana and baritone Peter Hana have been travelling the world in unison, delighting music lovers with their refreshing performances. Celebrating their fifth international tour, they offer a concert fittingly titled Viennese Bouquet, which features a fragrant selection of works by such prominent composers as Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Johann Schrammel. After completing voice studies at the Vienna Conservatory, Monika Hana starred in a long-running production of the Merry Widow at the famous Theater an der Wien. She also lent her superb voice to several major Viennese productions, including The Bat and Vienna Blood. A highly versatile artist, she is equally comfortable performing traditional classical repertoire (Mozart, Schubert, Brahms...), operettas, and the unique form of “Wiener Lieder” (Songs of Vienna). As for her husband, Peter Hana, he first pursued voice studies at the Vienna State Opera, then, like Monika, carried on at the Vienna Conservatory. Afterwards, he was a member of the Vienna Chamber Opera for eight years, taking on many parts in famous operas, operettas, and musicals. The distinguished baritone has performed extensively in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Chile, Australia, Hungary, and Canada, delivering numerous classical recitals, oratories, and church music concerts. For this operetta-style concert, the Austrian duo will be joined by the Transatlantik Schrammel ensemble (from the Quebec Viennese Music Society), offering a sumptuous springtime bouquet of waltzes, lieder, and polkas—for a limited time only! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Thematic concerts The Quebec Viennese Music Society’s thematic concerts: engaging celebrations in true Viennese style Are you looking for an original production to celebrate a special event with pomp and show? Why not call upon the Quebec Viennese Music Society, who can host a Viennese Ball or a special Christmas or Valentine’s Day Concert? First of all, you can indeed allow your audience to experience an authentic Viennese Ball. During these unforgettable evenings, a dynamic dance master teaches guests many traditional dances, including polkas, mazurkas, and, of course, dizzying waltzes, while the musicians of the QVMS fervently and meticulously perform the music. Authentic Viennese dancers, continuous screen projections, and period costumes can also enhance this extraordinary production. On another note, every holiday season, the QVMS dives into the festive atmosphere of the Austrian capital with the concert Viennese Christmas. The Transatlantik Schrammel ensemble, along with a couple of singers (optional), gives the gift of music, delivering a highly authentic and passionate performance of traditional Viennese works. Last but not least, what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a magnificent evening of romantic Viennese music? To commemorate the holiday of love, the QVMS offers a superb Valentine’s Day Concert, which features works with evocative titles from the great Viennese composers, including Die Romantiker (The Romantics), by composer and poet Josef Lanner, Liebeslieder Walzer (Love-Song Waltz), by melody magician Johann Strauss, and Weana Madl'n (Viennese Maidens), by C.M. Ziehrer. On Christmas (Viennese Christmas), Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day Concert) or any other special occasion (Viennese Ball), the Quebec Viennese Music Society will ensure you celebrate in style with its authentic and engaging musical productions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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Audio Excerpts The Infernal Waltz: Viennese Promenade: Vienna 1860 cd excerpts / Archambault ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
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