Taptonahana (We Speak) - Excerpt

Program Note: "Taptonahana translates as 'we speak' in the Mahican language. The work was composed for flutist Julia Bogorad-Kogan, and was commissioned by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (2021).

With its mix of indigenous and Western solo flute stylings, Taptonahana brings a telling or talking into the world from a Mohican perspective. The tonal shape of the indigenous song-ing style mimics the Mahican language with sharp enunciations and whip-like releases. The songs and languages share a close bond, and Taptonahana is offered as a musical conversation, as if embracing several indigenous speakers, but enacted alone by solo flute. Taptonahana blends Western composition and indigenous song-ing for a glimpse of Mohican life, from the inside, as 'we speak.'" - Brent Michael Davids

Language Activity: Use this video to learn the following classroom discussion words in Mahican! Listen for which syllables are stressed, and how each phrase ends. How many phrases can you use in class, today?

• Kataw na'ka? (Do you want to do it?)
• Kwche'ta (You try it!)
• Kiya ãastaw (You're next!)
• Sãapana'ka' (You do it first!)
• Paathe' (Wait!)
• Onit (Good!)
• Wãawinit (Very good!)
• Nãape (Again)