Original in the collections of the Hampton University Archives.
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Iorana: Tahitian Maiden's Song of Welcome
was written in 1935; The text was written by J. Henry Quine. The work was
dedicated to Robert Gibbings, Esq., who in 1932 wrote a book titled, Iorana;
This book was a record of Gibbings' time spent in Tahiti. Iorana
is a lightly textured work which is simply and effectively constructed.
The lovely harmonies and subtle rhythms combine to evoke a tropical atmosphere
which beckons the listener to dream of escape. Often, the vocal line is
extended on the vowels of "Iorana" at cadential points, creating a pastoral,
chant-like idyll. "Iorana" is the Tahitian word for "hello."
Original in the collections of the Hampton University Archives. |
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