Chuphshah! Harriet's Drive to Canaan
James Lee IIIPiece Duration: 14:24
About this Piece
James Lee's piece centers on the famous abolitionist Harriet Tubman, and her tireless commitment to lead enslaved people to freedom. The Hebrew word Chuphshah translates to Freedom, and the Drive to Canaan refers to Harriet Tubman's path toward the promise land, free of oppression.
In the frantic opening section, fast-moving rhythmic passages and accented clusters in the brass resemble Tubman's escape toward the North.
"After her escape, Lee explores 'the emotions that she may have felt. The sadness and longing that prompted her to return to dangerous [enslaved] territory in pursuit of family members and other [enslaved people].' Throughout the piece, Tubman is represented by the English horn.
Chuphshah quotes songs and spirituals of the time. These include 'Follow the drinkin’ gourd,' 'Let my people go,' 'I Wish I was in Dixie’s Land,' and the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' At times these melodies struggle: 'As the American Civil War continues to be bitterly fought,' writes Lee, 'the music portrays an imagined battle in the war.'
Near the end of Chuphshah, violins and oboe sing the final line of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,' with the words, “His truth is marching on.” Chuphshah concludes with an evocation of a military funeral for Tubman, celebrating a life of heroism, bravery, and action." - Tim Munro
Repertoire used in this piece:
Battle Hymn of the Republic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBJtfWmz3mw
Dixie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7z950IyPnc
Follow the Drinking Gourd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN9ilAaj1W8
Go Down Moses (Let My People Go)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcPPCrIJQjI
No More Auction Block for Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqRX3gROGGM
Notable Passages
Description:
Motif: After an ascending melodic line is stated in the brass, the marimba repeats this ascending gesture in fast-moving rhythmic notes.
At 00:15 the English Horn solo represents Harriet Tubman. At 00:23 the woodwinds follow in imitation of that solo line!
Keywords: Imitation - Melody , Motif , Percussion Instruments
Description:
The motif develops in the strings, presented in a more joyous context. The motif moves throughout the ensemble, notably to the glockenspiel as the texture grows with intensity!
Keywords: Imitation - Melody , Motif , Percussion Instruments
Description:
After Harriet Tubman's escape, the composer explores emotions that she may have felt. Listen to this Notable Passage, and brainstorm which emotions the music might describe!
Description:
The spiritual "Follow The Drinking Gourd" is heard in the flutes!
Keywords: Arrangement , Melody - Misc.
Description:
The traditional tunes "I Wish I was in Dixie’s Land," and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." are fragmented in this section. They are presented in different keys, putting them in opposition with each other!
- Listen to the vocal recordings of each tune
- Listen to the Notable Passage
- Discuss: Why might these songs oppose each other?
Bitonality: Dixie is quoted in C Major, and Battle Hymn of the Republic is quoted in Bb Major.
Atonality: Above these quotes, the strings play a slow atonal line, incorporating the following pitches [C, Eb, E, F, F#, G, A]
Keywords: Arrangement , Atonal/Atonality , Bitonality
Description:
In the final segment of the piece, the English horn, representing Harriet Tubman, leads the song, "No More Auction Block for Me", soon imitated by the flutes. The "Dixie" tune has finally disappeared from the piece.
The strings continue with a high atonal passage, evoking mystery and uncertainty on the road to freedom.
Keywords: Atonal/Atonality , Melody - Misc.
Description:
The piece concludes with roaring trumpet fanfares, recalling the tribute performed at Harriet Tubman's funeral.