River of Life was commissioned by the Conservatory of Music and Dance in Regina, Saskatchewan, to honour Dr, William Riddell at a gala fundraiser dinner. He was an important person in the province’s history who was instrumental in the creation of Saskatchewan Arts Board, the University of Regina, and so many other important institutions. There are actually several versions. It was originally for piano and soprano but I was asked to write include violin in the accompaniment, and finally, both clarinet and violin. My inspiration was Dr. Riddell, who was 95 when he died and active to the end, but at the same time, I thought of the piece as a tribute to the lives of all people who lived long lives, coping with the many stresses and enjoying the triumphs. I also thought of my mother who was 101 when she died. She had lived through the Great Depression, the World War, and the myriad of events, both good and bad, that occur over 100 years. The form might be considered modified strophic, or perhaps theme and variations in that the first verse is the theme and the words are a definition of the River of Life. The second verse talks about the prime of life with “mountains tall and proud” as the analogy, and the music is strong and powerful. Then the third verse describes the struggles in life with “hidden rocks, water churning and foaming currents” and the music reflects this stress. Finally, the fourth verse is old age, talking about “things witnessed and memories brought.” The music becomes calm as the river has reached its destination. Each verse ends with the words, “flowing ever and into the Ocean of Eternity.”
