2002

for two mezzo sopranos, Kai-karanga, taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments), flute/piccolo, bodhran, string quartet

By:

• Helen Fisher

Duration:

37' 00"

Instrumentation:

one of the mezzo sopranos needs to be familiar with performing Maori waiata.

Contents:

A bicultural work in eleven movements: 1. Karanga, 2. Ma Te Aroha, 3. Tau Ana Te Haeata, 4. The Gift, 5. NZ Co., 6. O Little One, 7. He Moteatea Ukaipo: A Waiata Tangi for the Land, 8. Wairau Lament, 9. Meditation, 10. A New Garment, 11. Kokiritia

Samples

	Score (470k)	Pages 8, 12, 16, 23, 26, 36 and 40	© H Fisher, L Edmonds, and W K Kaa
	Recording (468k)	No description
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Availability

• This work has a score and a recording

Programme Note

This chamber work, composed in 2002, is based on the music drama of the same title, with music by Helen Fisher, Maori composition by Wi Kuki Kaa and lyrics by Lauris Edmond. This shorter work for two sopranos, kai-karanga, string quartet, flute, bodhran and Maori instruments was produced for a CD on the Atoll label (ACD 203). This work focuses on some Maori and Pakeha women’s stories surrounding the events of the 1843 Wairau tragedy. These are stories of compassion, which have a resonance for New Zealand today, showing a way forward for reconciliation and racial harmony.

Text Note:

Lyrics by Lauris Edmond, Maori Composition by Wi Kuki Kaa

Difficulty:

Advanced

Influences:

• Culture - NZ
• History - NZ
• Maori - culture
• Race Relations

Related Works

Taku Wana - The Enduring Spirit

Helen Fisher

Performance History

	10 Jul 2002	Performed by Linden Loader, April-Marie Neho (mezzo-sopranos), Richard Nunns (Maori instruments), Bridget Douglas (flute) and the Newvine String Quartet; Brierley Theatre, Wellington College
		Bridget Douglas    Linden Loader    Nevine String Quartet    Richard Nunns