Composition Details
- Composed by: T. Patrick Carrabré
- Published by: Cypress Choral Music
- Cat No: CP 2313
- Canadian Work:
Yes
- Duration: 3:40
Performed in Concert
In Collections
Conductor Notes:
This is the fifth and final movement of the 18-minute, five movement Snewíyalh tl’a Staḵw (Teachings of the Water) by Métis composer T. Patrick Carrabré with words by Rebecca Duncan.
While the title of the work means “identity”, the sung text is the Squamish word “méymeỷem” (ripple) is repeated throughout in a mesmerizing, pulsing beat. The final phrase expands this word to “i7xw wa méymeỷem (everything is a ripple). The use of a minimal text makes this an approachable work for those wishing to program an authentic indigenous choral work.
A cappella SSA with divisi in all three parts. Moderate ranges. Firmly anchored around the pitch G, there are nevertheless some challenging chords and chromatic melodies.
I encourage you to look at the entire project, which includes three videos on Elektra’s YouTube channel: a music video, a Listener’s Guide which gives the cultural context of the work, and a Squamish language pronunciation video. In the music video, start here to jump to this movement.
Text Source
Squamish Nation educator Rebecca Duncan