Works » Concert Music » Iyaaknasha'
Iyaaknasha'
for Double Bass and Orchestra
by Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate [22:00]
Iyaaknasha' is the Chickasaw name for the little helper spirit who aids Indian doctors of Southeastern tradition. It guides the doctor to special healing herbs and teaches the use and care of them. To the Choctaws, it is known as Kawnakuasha.
The musical material of Iyaaknasha' is based upon a Choctaw/Chickasaw memorial song. The purpose of this selection was to use a tune that honors both the subject matter of the Indian doctor and my grandmother, Juanita "Little Bird" Tate, for whom this work was composed. The memorial tune is directly quoted by the double bass at the beginning. One can hear fragments of the tune used in various ways throughout the rest of the work. It then returns again, in its entirety, at the end. In general, the work does not follow a specific story line; rather, it is more like a tone poem that reflects my impressions of the elemental and diabolical relationship between the Indian doctor and his little helper at work in the wilderness of Oklahoma.
Iyaaknasha' was commissioned by James VanDemark, double bass faculty of the Eastman School of Music, and premiered July 21, 1993 with the Ohio Chamber Orchestra, conducted by David Lockington.
