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Celebrating Legacy and Unity: The Enduring Influence of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast

Modern Critique the festive atmosphere. The work is composed in nine
Although The Song of Hiawatha was immensely popu- sections, each providing a different tonal soundscape
lar in the nineteenth century, it has since been critiqued and mood. Eight of the sections are composed for cho-
by some for its romanticized depiction of Indigenous rus. However, nestled in the sections is a standalone
American culture. Longfellow, writing from a Eurocen- aria, “Onaway! Awake, Beloved,” scored for tenor so-
tric perspective, crafted a narrative that blended indig- loist. Its orchestration requires the full complement of
enous legends with his own poetic imagination, often instruments, which provide a rich sonic texture that en-
simplifying or altering elements to fit his artistic vision. hances the work’s vivid storytelling.
While his intent was to celebrate Indigenous American In the opening section, the strings are often employed
traditions, the result was a work that, while beautiful- to create lush, sweeping lines that evoke the beauty of
ly written, did not always reflect authentic indigenous the natural setting (Figure 1 on the next page). The
perspectives. As a composer of African descent working brass section, especially in moments of heightened dra-
within the European classical tradition, Coleridge-Tay- ma or celebration, provides powerful and bold state-
lor saw The Song of Hiawatha not as a literal historical ments, underscoring the grandeur of the event. The
account but as a vehicle for artistic expression. His woodwinds are used to add color and intimacy to the
ability to transform the text into a universal celebra- work, particularly in passages involving the solo tenor,
tion of love and community reflects his broader goal whose aria is supported by a delicate woodwind back-
of bridging cultural identities through music. His set- ground. In addition, the percussion section, including
ting does not attempt to recreate indigenous music but the use of cymbals and timpani, adds rhythmic drive
instead interprets Longfellow’s words through the lens and excitement to sections of communal action or fes-
of Western classical tradition. By doing so, he created tive celebration.
a work that transcended cultural boundaries, offering a Through his orchestration, Coleridge-Taylor creates
universal expression of joy, love, and community. a dynamic interplay between the vocal and instrumen-
As perspectives on colonial-era literature have tal forces. The orchestra often sets the emotional tone
evolved, so too has the conversation surrounding Long- for the vocal passages, and at times, it takes on a more
fellow’s text. Today, there is a greater awareness of the prominent role, using thematic material to highlight the
need to contextualize Longfellow’s portrayal of Indig- narrative elements. The careful balance of orchestral
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enous American culture. While the poem remains a color with the voices ensures that the work remains rich
significant literary work, modern scholarship acknowl- and immersive, whether in moments of quiet reflection
edges its limitations and the ways in which it reflects or exuberant celebration. Even in its more intimate or
nineteenth-century attitudes rather than authentic in- subdued moments, the overall feeling of celebration is
digenous narratives. This shift should not be viewed present throughout the vocal and instrumental writing.
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as a critique or a reason to avoid performing the work The melodies in Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast are
but rather as an invitation to engage in informed dis- among the many distinctive features of the work, with
cussions about the text. Such conversations as part of Coleridge-Taylor’s expansive, lyrical writing allowing the
the preparation process can enrich the performance chorus and soloist to shine. From the opening fifths in the
and foster a deeper understanding of the work’s com- woodwinds that then are heard in the chorus, the vocal
plexities. lines are thoughtful and endearing. The tenor aria stands
out as the most iconic melodic passage, featuring soaring
phrases and sustained lines that evoke the grandeur of the
Musical Interpretation: ceremony while also expressing the intimate emotions of
Coleridge-Taylor’s Artistic Vision the bride and groom. The melody reflects the meaning
Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast is scored for SATB chorus of the text with sustained notes underscoring the urgency
(with divisi), tenor soloist, and orchestra. Coleridge-Tay- and passion in the singer’s plea. This aria, like many of
lor enhances Longfellow’s text through his choral writ- the work’s melodies, reveals Coleridge-Taylor’s ability to
ing, using the collective voice of the choir to amplify balance dramatic intensity with lyricism, adding to the

18 CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2025 Volume 65 Number 9