Hattak Heloha (Thunder Beings)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra - 30'
Solo Vln..; 3(1.2.3/Pic.) 3(1.2.3/EH) 3(1.2.3/Bcl.) 3(1.2.3/Cbsn.) - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.
Commissioned by Irina Muresanu.
Premiering 2023

Hattak Heloha is a new violin concerto composed for Irina Muresanu and is based upon the Chickasaw legend of the Thunder Beings. It is the ancient Chickasaw belief that our spirits make a new home in the clouds, after this life, where they become Thunder Beings. Whenever there are thunder storms, it is a time that the good spirits and bad spirits are at battle. Chickasaw warriors would shoot their arrows and fire their guns into the clouds to help the good spirits win.

This concerto is a remembrance of the old Chickasaw ways, and is divided into three movements and features three ancient Chickasaw melodies. The violin soloist is an active storyteller, leading us through a rhapsodic expression of different aspects of Chickasaw life:

Iyaakni' (Homeland/Drum Dance)
This movement is full of vibrant and nostalgic feelings of playful, undisturbed and innocent times. These are my colorful impressions of simply enjoying our relations and good times with family
and community.

Nokfónkhat Intaloowa' (Memorial Song)
This memorial song is commonly sung when a loved one dies and this movement is in honor of our ancestors who transition into Thunder Beings.

Shawi' Hilha' (Raccoon Dance)
This fast and furious dance represents my own family raccoon clan and is meant to celebrate the victorious battle between the spirits, insuring many happy and safe days to come for Chickasaw people.
All of the songs featured in this concerto are melodies I sing to my six-year-old son, Heloha (hee-low-hah), at bedtime. He will recognize them when he hears this concerto and this work is dedicated to him.