DREAMING THE WORLD
Sorrel Hays
About this work:
Five songs for baritone, four percussionists and piano. Several texts are based on Native American ritual poems. "Circling Around" is a Seminole Birthing chant. "Song for the Dying" is also from Seminole ritual during which the dying person is given ginseng brew. "Water Bug" is based on the Yuma Deer Dance, and portrays the deer's power and its journey over Yuma territory, sung and danced usually at full moon in summer. Other texts are by the composer.
Year composed: 1998
Duration: 00:30:00
Ensemble type: Voice, Solo or With Chamber or Jazz Ensemble:Voice with Chamber/Jazz Ensemble, 2-5 Players
Instrumentation: 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Marimba, 1 Piano, 1 Baritone
Instrumentation notes: The final song "For the Children" is scored using buttons on a sting which strike various ribbed paper or metal or plastic surfaces. These buttons may be substituted with ratchets and washboards.