Shenandoah

Program Notes:

A new arrangement of a timeless and beloved folk song. The undulating accompanying chords at the opening and closing mirror the ripples of the Shenandoah River as it flows steadily through Virginia and West Virginia.

Conductor Notes:

SSAA a cappella. Undulating chords create a “watery” effect under this traditional melody.

Text:

Oh, Shenando’ I long to hear you.
Away you rollin’ river.
Oh Shenando’, I long to hear you.
Away, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

I long to see your smiling valley
And hear your rollin’ river.
I long to see your smiling valley,
Away, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee,
Away, you rollin’ river.
‘Tis seven long years since last I see thee,
Away, we’re bound away
Across the wide Missouri.

Oh, Shenando’ I long to see you.
And hear your rollin’ river.
We’re bound away.