Page 23 - CJJuneJuly25

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

porates both regular, march-like beats in the opening longing. This section, from rehearsal 41 to 45, leads
sections and more syncopated rhythms as the narrative into the tenor aria, which is woven into the storyline
develops. These rhythmic shifts contribute to the cele- (Figure 4 on page 23). The lush, chromatic chords
bratory nature of the work, mirroring the excitement move beyond conventional tonality, embracing more
and communal energy of the wedding feast, especially expansive harmonic territories and creating a sense of
in the choral sections where the rhythmic drive increas- harmonic richness that complements the multifaceted
es to heighten the event’s grandeur. narrative of the work.
Furthermore, Coleridge-Taylor introduces mo-
ments of varying meters that add a fluid, expressive
quality to the music. These shifts often occur during Revival and Modern Performances
intimate, emotional moments, such as the solo sections, Although Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast is not in frequent
where the flexibility of rhythm mirrors the deep emo- performance rotation today, several notable perfor-
tional currents of the text. This rhythmic diversity en- mances have taken place in recent years. Centennial
hances the emotional range of the work, moving seam- celebrations of the work in 1998 began a revival of
lessly from collective celebration to more introspective, renewed interest. Of important note are performanc-
heartfelt expressions. es of the work in Boston, home of Henry Wadsworth
The harmonic language of Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast Longfellow. In 2017, the Colour of Music Festival, un-
reflects the rich, chromatic style typical of the late-Ro- der the leadership of founder and artistic director Lee
mantic era, supporting the expressive nature of the text. Pringle, presented the work with conductor Kzaem
Coleridge-Taylor uses tonal harmony but frequently Abdullah. In 2023, Dr. Zanaida Robles, a respected
shifts between keys and modulates to evoke emotional Coleridge-Taylor scholar, led the National Concerts
movement and depth. While the piece primarily em- Chorus & Orchestra in a landmark performance at
ploys major keys that reflect the celebratory nature Carnegie Hall—the first time the work had been heard
of the wedding feast, the composer introduces minor on that prestigious stage in over a century. In 2024 the
modes to convey moments of introspection, yearning, Carroll Symphony Orchestra and Griffin Choral Arts
or sadness. These subtle harmonic shifts serve as a mu- of Griffin, Georgia, paired their performance of the
sical reflection of the changing emotional landscape of cantata with works by Aaron Copland. In spring 2025,
the narrative. For instance, the transitions from light- the Westminster Symphonic Choir, under the direc-
hearted celebration to deeper emotional moments are tion of Donald Nally, performed the piece as part of
underscored by shifts in tonality, enhancing the work’s the Third Celebration of Black Music at Westminster
narrative complexity. This can be heard in the open- Choir College. While not an exhaustive list, these per-
ing of the cantata, composed in D major as the excite- formances reflect the growing attention and apprecia-
ment of the wedding celebration where the cuisine is tion for the work across the nation in recent years.
described in colorful language. The first considerable
change in mood takes place at rehearsal 13, where the
tenors and basses introduce the post feast activities and Conclusion

engage the chef Nokomis, in a playful B major (Figure Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast stands as a monumental
3 on the next page). work that blends Western classical traditions, Ameri-
Throughout the work, Coleridge-Taylor subtly can poetry, and Indigenous storytelling. Its success, both
shifts to related minor keys to deepen the emotional in its immediate reception and its legacy, underscores
resonance of the text. These modulations often occur Coleridge-Taylor’s unique ability to fuse diverse musical
at pivotal points in the narrative, highlighting transi- elements into a cohesive, evocative expression of cele-
tions from external celebration to more personal, in- bration, unity, and love. Using the text of Longfellow’s
trospective moments. Among the intimate moments of The Song of Hiawatha, Coleridge-Taylor’s approach to
the work are when the chorus sings about Chibiabos, the music transcends mere representation of cultures,
a “friend of Hiawatha,” asking for a song of love on infusing the text with his own creative vision through

CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2025 Volume 65 Number 9 21