Waterfront tour, part 2: The Music Garden

[JeffR]

This botanical garden was the brainchild of cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape architect Julie Moir Messervy. Its design was inspired by Bach's Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello, and sections of the score can be found on plaques throughout the park

The Music Garden was initially offered to Boston, which dithered and eventually did not accept the project. Toronto's gain!

The Music Garden opened in 1999. I first saw it in 2001 or 2002 and hadn't been back until last week. It's matured and filled in and is now a literal urban oasis.

The Music Garden is divided into six areas, each representing a movement of the suite. This is part of "Prelude" with my friend Don on the left. Shortly after this, he spotted a hummingbird, the first either of us had ever seen in the city. The bird was in no mood for photographs, I'm afraid.



These are from "Courante" where a spiraling path leads to a wonderful Maypole by designer Anne Roberts.







This one is from "Minuets". The pavilion was designed by architectural blacksmith Tom Tollefson.



Next stop on your waterfront tour will be HTO. Please stay tuned.

Part 1 is here if you missed it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear JeffR!

Ah, what a beautiful park...

The serene views really help me relax...

I have to say that the vine on the Pavilion does scare me a little...I think that in not too many more years, that vine will have completely covered it!

Thanks for the tour, and I look forward to more pictures!

:hug:

[maheanuu]

2. "Chicken Skin|"

Don't You Dare Stop!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Hi maheanuu!

I think you meant to respond to JeffR, and not me!

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[maheanuu]

4. I did and I'm still learnin' the bells and whistles

I think that Jeff will know... I wuz tryin' to change it but it don't wanna be changed (a very repig trait btw)....

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Ah, no worries!

He'll read the entire thread, and he'll get it!

It's really easy to answer the last post instead of the original post!

And I must say that I love love love your very exotic and beautiful pictures...

I hope that you will keep on posting them here.

:hi:

[JeffR]

9. Thanks!

:)

[JeffR]

8. Thanks, Peggy!

Despite the traffic noise from Queen's Quay, "serene" is exactly the word that comes to mind there. You're probably right about that vine!

[trusty elf]

6. Now that's my kind of park!

Nice photos, thanks!

[JeffR]

10. I think JSB would be pleased with the place.

They do a summer concert series. Maybe next year my weird schedule will allow me to get to a few performances.

[Celebration]

7. This place is just gorgeous!

Thank goodness for the artists and dreamers among us, that they can put their visions onto such a place.

Great photos!

[JeffR]

11. I'll second that!

Found a video of Messervy explaining the genesis of the garden:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1634666650390306273#

[Mira]

12. Here, too, I waited and looked a few times.

Little did I know I waited for the video to round things out. I'm glad you posted it, now my picture of the garden the music and the artists is complete.
Bach Suite 1 played by Yo-Yo Ma is one of the staples in my stable of CD's, one I play when all is well and I want the cello to confirm it.
Your photos brought wonderful visuals, and the video allowed a glimpse into the sculptor's vision and process.

Very very special.
Thanks.
Photo number three is my runaway favorite.

[JeffR]

15. Very kind, Mira.

Apparently they have an audio wand available at times so that one can walk around the place listening to the piece. That would be a lovely experience.

[Solly Mack]

13. I love the skies and shadows of autumn.

The 3rd & 4th pictures are magnificent!

[JeffR]

16. The light seems to be changing very rapidly now, for the better.

After a long, mostly dreadful summer of heat and humidity, I'm hoping for a season full of cool breezes and great color.

Thank you!

[NV Whino]

14. What a beautiful place.

I love the pavilion.

[JeffR]

17. The pavilion felt like a real find.

On my previous trip years ago, I hadn't seen it. It's a real highlight!