Ah! Toi Belle Hirondelle
Duration: 3:30
This arrangement of a French-Canadian folksong features a bird (swallow) as a messenger to two separated lovers who pledge their faithfulness and love with the hopes of seeing each other again. The beautifully-crafted melody, in its simplicity, allows the text to effectively convey the story that unfolds and every voice part takes turns in carrying (and passing on) the narrative.
I am grateful to have been in consultation with both Marie-Claire Saindon (Franco-Ontarian composer) and Jean-Sébastien Vallée (Artistic Director of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir) throughout the research process for this work. Their generosity in guiding and supporting me has been integral to my deeper understanding of this beautiful and somewhat bittersweet folksong.
My gratitude to the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Jean-Sébastien Vallée (Artistic Director) for commissioning me to create this work as their Composer-In-Residence for the 2023-2024 Season. It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration, and a meaningful way of marking my 10th year of residing in Canada.
– Tracy Wong, January 2024
Recording
Performed by Schulich Singers / McGill University, 2024
Jean-Sébastien Vallée, director
Johanna Schreibweis, student conductor
Patricia Wrigglesworth, soloist
