Alexina Louie

Question 1

Information About Her

Answer 1

• born in Vancouver, BC
• Chinese and Canadian heritage
• earned ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music
• studied music at UBC and then at the University of California
• taught from 1970-1980 in California; in 1980 she returned to Canada but settled in Toronto
• taught at RCM, York University, and the University of Western Ontario
• married Alex Pauk, have two daughters
• got an honorary doctorate from University of Calgary
• received Order of Canada

Question 2

Her Style and Contributions

Answer 2

• style combines contemporary and traditional styles
• combines Western music with Asian music and includes influence from First Nations
• uses electronic technology, minimalism, program music, and humour
• keyboard music: Dragon Bells, Scenes from a Jade Terrace, Music for Piano, Fast Forward
• chamber music: Demon Gate, Edges
• orchestral works: Music for Heaven and Earth, The Eternal Earth, Music for a Thousand Autumns, O Magnum Mysterium
• film scores: The Five Senses, Last Night
• vocal works: Songs of Enchantment
• operas: The Scarlet Princess, Toothpaste, Burnt Toast

Question 3

Important Work: “Distant Memories”

Answer 3

• third piece in a set called Music for Piano
• has an arch form (ABCB1A1)
• section A:
• the approximate duration is given in minutes and seconds rather than using a time signature
• other notations include notes without stems, flared beaming, and grace notes
• section B (Quasi berceuse):
• time signature changes frequently
• left hand interval never changes
• lullaby suggests memories of childhood
• section C:
• in 3/4 time
• marked piu mosso
• melody over an arpeggio accompaniment
• section B and section A return with modifications