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IN CELEBRATION

Priscilla McLean

IN CELEBRATION of the Historic Alaskan Wilderness Act and of All Consciousnesses of our Bond with Nature was commissioned by the Bennington, VT County Choral Society and premiered at the First Methodist Church, Bennington, on Nov. 14 and 15, 1987, and conducted by Edwin Lawrence, director.  The piece is a collage of ancient Alaskan Eskimo songs and spoken texts, animal sounds, both recorded and mimicked by the chorus, piano, and conga, bongo drums.  In performance, the chorus is weaving a myth and creating a mystical experience, celebrating the belief that all life on the planet comes from one source.  This work is a spin-off from a concert program called "In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World", performed by The McLean Mix from 1985 - 1990 on several national tours.  This is a joyous work, ending in an affirmation of faith in the repeated word "Alleluia", and an old Shaman hunting song.

The accompanying recording is from the premiere, and is meant to be listened to as a reference for the work.  Intonation was a problem for the chorus, as it was for the old reel-to-reel deck used (owned by the McLeans), and the solo drummer was recorded at too loud a level.  However, the chorus's enthusiasm and Marjorie Rooen's, the drummer's flamboyance make up somewhat for the faults, plus the listener can hear the recorded sounds and makeup of the whole piece.

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