Native American Songs

Subject: Native American Songs
From: Weasel
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 08:02 AM

I have been asked to write a short orchestral suite based on Native American Songs. - could anyone suggest any please (if such exist).

A google search has resulted in mainly (exclusively?)chants rather than songs.

Thanks,

Weasel

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 09:13 AM

You should include pounding tom-toms and minor pentatonic melodies and lots of perfect fifth diads for an authentic 1880s vibe.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,IS
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 02:17 PM

This might be a useful resource for you: Indian Records Inc is selling a 22-LP set of recordings of all kinds of Native American music. I haven't heard it myself (if I lived in USA I'd definitely consider buying it!) but it looks pretty good.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 02:20 PM

I'm sure you are aware that the music of indigenous people does not adhere to European rules. Also, remember that the songs are regional and Southwest people will have different songs than those sung in the Northeast. The American Indian museum in DC has some recordings, as does the American Folklife Center at the library of congress but your best, most authentic, sources would be the tribes themselves. Many have websites which include approved cultural resources.

best- Julia

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Weasel
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 04:37 PM

Thanks for your replies.

No, I'm not aware of anything - this is totally new territory for me. The brief was sprung on me two days ago so I'm grateful for anything anyone could offer.

I'm assuming, from previous work I have done for them (European Suite; English Folk Song Suite; Christmas Suites) that they are expecting something tuneful, something I have thus far been unable to find.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 05:01 PM

Indianist movement
Origins: The Indian Intermezzo

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: meself
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 06:42 PM

Jeremy Dutcher's work may be of some use, or at least interest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDRpDjrBZE

You might want to try to get in touch with him .....

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 29 Jan 22 - 07:16 PM

Please tell us more about "them"- this is a work for hire?

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: breezy
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 06:03 AM

contact Buffy St Marie , is she still around ? she may help. 81 now.

there were a lot of of tribes and they didnt all get along.

and the settlers from abroad did much damage.

'Empire of the Sun'/ gives a very interesting insight.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Weasel
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 12:47 PM

Guest Julia L - I'm afraid it's nothing exalte: "they" are an amateur orchestra near Cambridge for whom I write short sets of pieces based, usually, on folksongs. I've never made my settings available to anyone else. The conductor of the Cambridge group comes up with ideas for things he wants to play and I deliver what I can - it's a great inspiration - I often get little warning.

I've also written for a couple of amateur groups in the north-west of England.

It's a fun sideline to being retired but I do like to treat the original material with respect.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Weasel
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 04:50 PM

Thanks very much folks, I've found three suitable pieces but along the way have heard lots of other music thanks to your suggestions, especially the music of Jeremy Dutcher of whom I had never heard - thanks "meself"!

Thanks to all,

Weasel

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 08:58 PM

Please, be aware, just as European countries have unique sub cultures, the indigenous tribes of North America (Sioux, Choctaw, Apache, Wappo, etc) have unique distinctions; and unique traditions.

I sincerely encourage you to contact the tribal council of the song/melody you intend to use. They are gracious and eager to educate.

http://www.lakotadakotanakotanation.org/

Gargoyle

I grew up near Robert and Arthur, two astounding dancers, whose performance could move you to tears.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Jan 22 - 11:53 PM

I agree with Gargoyle. There are hundreds of tribes/nations across the US alone, and they aren't a homogenous group. Make a choice of what to represent, don't go with the Hollywood approach to Indian Music.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: meself
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 01:53 AM

It's an amateur production, he's found some melodies, and he says he likes to "treat the original material with respect" - why not take him at his word? That's a rhetorical question, btw.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: Weasel
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 06:11 AM

Just for information: The three "songs" I have used are the common "war song" used in many films, purely to set the scene as it is a tune they will all recognise. The other songs I have used all begin by presenting the original song unnacompanied as a mark of respect before going into my setting.

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 10:37 AM

As a mark of respect, please acknowledge the source. Thanks

Subject: RE: Native American Songs
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Feb 22 - 10:55 AM

You might try listening to R. Carlos Nakai who bases a lot of his songs and improvs on traditional N.A. songs.