Silver Creek Valley - MVSR2086F | Music

This musical impression portrays several episodes that date back to Canada’s pioneering days, a time when the first contacts had been made between the indigenous population, the Indians, and the pioneers. These contacts, however, were not always peaceful. This piece depicts the period of the rush for gold and silver: In spring when the snow melted on the mountains, and the creeks flowed down to the valley, silvery and clear, it began again, the peak season for gold-seekers. The severe cold is expressed in the beginning by muted trumpets and rolls on the cymbals. The following episode depicts the Indians’ bison-hunt, which was so vital to their survival: The muted brass still communicates the impression of the cold dominating the country, while the tension of the hunt on horseback is expressed by the percussion section. Then the hunt is over and we are in the beautiful valley of the Silver Creek – “in the valley”. The idyllic atmosphere is reflected in the slow air of a romantic cowboy song. Then a mysterious part is heard, because many people still feel like foreigners in this unknown land. Yet the ride continues, it becomes faster and faster – until you have reached your imaginary destination. Finally the new country is praised in a magnificent way by the powerful main theme which is picked up by the entire band.