The Performance
Tchaikovsky X Drake is a symphonic synthesis that blends the music of two composer-romanticists separated by almost a century. Twenty-two songs of Drake are woven into Tchaikovsky’s epic Fifth Symphony, as the lyrics of the former serve to advance the narrative program of the latter. We hear Drake’s melodies soaring in tandem with Tchaikovsky’s; his raps motoring almost impossibly with Tchaikovsky’s rhythmic figures; then vignettes of Drake’s music with Tchaikovsky’s motives and melodies superimposed over top. Every possibility of synthesis is joyfully and beautifully explored. The Drake selections range from his most popular hits (‘God’s Plan’, ‘One Dance’, ‘Controlla’, ‘Nice For What’, ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’, ‘In My Feelings’, ‘Take Care’, and ‘Find Your Love’) to deep cuts (‘Marvin’s Room’, ‘5AM in Toronto’, ‘Worst Behavior’, ‘Over My Dead Body’, ‘All Me’).
Joining the ISO are three singers, one rapper, drummer and bassist; the piece truly alternates between a romantic orchestral sound and a contemporary hip-hop/classical fusion. Conductor/creator Steve Hackman also plays piano for several interludes and segments.