“In the keen sequences scored by Mr. Tate, you felt new music bonding with old images in rich, provocative and moving ways.”
Chokfi'
Sarcasm for String Orchestra and Percussion - 7'
Commissioned by Oklahoma Youth Orchestras.
Premiered May 6, 2018
Chokfi’ (choke-fee) is the Chickasaw word for rabbit, who is an important trickster legend within Southeast American Indian cultures.
Inspired by a commission for youth orchestra I decided to create a character sketch that would be both fun and challenging for the kids. Different string and percussion techniques and colors represent the complicated and diabolical personality of this rabbit person.
In honor of my Muscogee Creek friends, I have incorporated a popular tribal church hymn as the melodic and musical base.
