Uplifting words from the iconic Dolly Parton sung by Winnipeg’s outstanding Polycoro in a new arrangement of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning”. Polycoro Executive Director/producer/soprano Zohreh Gervais and arranger/tenor Scott Reimer were on Morning Light!
Polycoro’s latest production is one that brings all the feels.
“I wanted to create a video that captured the sense of yearning and waiting that we’re all feeling,” says Polycoro’s Zohreh Gervais. Those feelings of longing are now slowly being replaced with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. With the rapid rise in Manitobans that are vaccinated and the gradual easing of public health restrictions, “we could see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“We wanted a video that celebrated that moment,” explains Gervais. “And celebrated the new appreciation we have for the little moments of life that we haven’t been able to share over the past while.”
Continuing their relationship with director Laina Brown, Polycoro’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” tenderly portrays the little moments—a friend answering the door, a hug from a family member—and the big ones, such as a wedding or a major gig.
Arranged by another member of the Polycoro organization, Scott Reimer, the country song takes on a new dimension in a fresh, modern rendition featuring delicious harmonic moments and strong rhythmic energy.
“I’ve done a lot of arranging over the years,” says Reimer, who describes the process of tackling the song as “such a ride.”
Noting the versatility and skill of the singers, Reimer exploits every facet in his arrangement—from the stratospheric sopranos to the ponderous basses—while paying special attention to the altos.
“Dolly Parton, even though she seems like she’s got a really high soprano voice, the range is very much in the alto domain,” explains Reimer. “In this case… we’ve got terrific altos, altos are not featured often enough, I want to keep [the main melody] there.”
The result is a visual and aural emotional rollercoaster that is sure to resonate in viewers’ minds and hearts.