“Tate’s connection to nature and the human experience was quite apparent in this piece…rarer still is his ability to effectively infuse classical music with American Indian nationalism.”
Waktégli Olówaŋ (Victory Songs)
for Solo Baritone and Orchestra - 25'
Solo Bar.; 1(Pic.) 1 2(Ebcl./Bcl.) 1 - 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.
Commissioned by South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.
Premiered January 12, 2013
Waktégli Olówaŋ is composed in honor of Lloyd Running Bear, Sr. and all Lakota Indian warriors. It is based upon the book Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains, by Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohíye S’a).
Eastman (1858-1939) was a Santee Sioux Indian physician, writer, lecturer and reformer. His literary output is an outstanding personal account of Sioux history. Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains is a set of 15 biographies of historic Sioux warriors, most of whom Eastman knew personally.
Traditional Sioux victory songs are made specifically for Lakota warriors and their immediate victories and accomplishments. They are either composed by a warrior who is recounting their victories in battle, or are made in honor of a recently fallen warrior. These songs are of great importance, for they actually serve as aural historical documents of Lakota citizens.
Waktégli Olówaŋ is an orchestral rhapsody, inspired by Eastman’s writings, and features five of the warriors in his book: Red Cloud, Two Strike, Gall, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. Through symphonic and vocal poetry, each movement depicts a warrior and his deeds. The introduction expresses honor and respect to the Great Sioux Nation from a Chickasaw man. Musical material is inspired by and quoted from existing Lakota victory songs and honor songs. Original poetry is by the composer.
Introduction
Red Cloud (Maȟpíya Úta)
Two-Strike (Núm KaȟpÁ)
Gall (Phizí)
Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó)
Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake)
