“Tate has an uncanny ability to synthesize his nationalistic ideas into his musical language…he has clearly taken the Western musical tradition and found a compelling voice that integrates his native culture.”
Iholba' (The Vision)
for Solo Flute, Chorus and Orchestra - 25'
Chorus; Solo Fl.(Bfl.); 2(I=Pic./Afl. II=Bfl.) 3(II=Bcl. III=CBcl.) 1(Cbsn.) - 0 0 0 0; 2Perc. Str.
Commissioned by National Symphony Orchestra.
Premiered September 21, 2005
Iholba' (The Vision) is a work inspired by the composer's native Chickasaw culture. The Chickasaw Nation originally lived in the Southeastern United States and was relocated to Indian Territory, now the state of Oklahoma. The musical material for Iholba' is based on a Chickasaw Garfish Dance song and is sung in the Chickasaw language. The text is original poetry by the composer, and the translation was provided by Onita Carnes, Catherine Wilmond and Pamela Munro. The work is in two movements, entitled Halbina' (The Gift) and Iholba' (The Vision).
Iholba' was recorded by the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Symphony Chorus and is available on the Grammy Award winning label Azica Records. Iholba' is dedicated to my grandmother, Juanita Foshi' Keel Tate.
Iholba' was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, DC, Leonard Slatkin, Music Director, in honor of the 1996 American Residency Program in Wyoming. It premiered September 21, 2005 with members of the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Master Chorale, Thomas Robertello, Assistant Principal Flutist of the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Emil de Cou.
Read the Washington Post review by Gail Wein.
Halbina'
Iholba'
