Theme

The musical culture of Native Americans or American Indians has had a great influence on numerous composers from the USA. From the rhythmic musical ritual of the Navajo to the wise words of the Yaqui and the Hopi. That ancient magic can be heard especially in ritual compositions for choir and percussion. In this episode of Theme, we will play some special compositions, including compositions by Peter Garland, Charlie Morrow, Janice Giteck, Philip Glass and Daniel Lentz. Special focus is on recently released work by Diné composer Raven Chacon. (Diné is the name the Navajo use for themselves). His passion for Navajo music is subtly woven into contemporary compositions for vocals and ensemble. You will also hear Chacon’s impressive work Voiceless Mass (2021) for which he was the first Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize.

Playlist

1. Raven Chacon: ‘Voiceless Mass’ (2021) for organ and ensemble
   Op: Raven Chacon – Voiceless Mass
   Present Music conducted by David Bloom
   New World Records 80848-2 CD
2. Philip Glass: ‘Prophecies’ (1982), from the soundtrack for ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ for ensemble
   Op: Philip Glass – Koyaanisqatsi
   Philip Glass Ensemble
   The Western Wind Vocal Ensemble
   Albert de Ruiter (bass)
   Nonesuch 2589-79506-2 CD
3. Charlie Morrow: ‘The Cloud Will Break’ (1977-1988) for choir
   Op: Charlie Morrow: The Birth of the Wargod
   Western Wind Vocal Ensemble
   Laurel Records 840-CD
4. Daniel Lentz: O-KE-WA (1974) for 12-part, rasps and percussion
   Op: Daniel Lentz: Missa Umbrarum
   Koor en ensemble conducted by Arlene Dunlap
   New Albion NA006 CD
5. Peter Garland: ‘The Three Strange Angels’ (1972-1973) for percussion
   Op: Peter Garland – Border Music
   University of New Mexico Percussion Ensemble
   WN0008 CD
6. -8. Peter Garland: ‘Three Songs of Mad Coyote’ (1973) for piano and percussion
   Op: Peter Garland – Border Music
   University of New Mexico Percussion Ensemble
   WN0008 CD

1. Raven Chacon: ‘Owl Song’ (2021) for vocals and ensemble
   Op: Raven Chacon – Voiceless Mass
   Present Music conducted by David Bloom
   Ariadne Greif (vocals)
   New World Records 80848-2 CD
2. Janice Giteck: ‘Thunder, Like a White Bear Dancing’ (1977) for soprano and ensemble
   Op: Janice Giteck – Works by Janice Giteck
   The New Performance Group in Music
   Thomasa Eckert (soprano)
   Mode Records 14 CD
3. -16. Peter Garland: ‘Nana + Victorio’ (1990-91), in six movements, for solo percussion
   Op: Peter Garland – Nana + Victorio
   William Winant (percussion)
   Avant Avan012 CD