program notes by composition > a > Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual
Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual
Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith created Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual as an homage to West African folk and ceremonial music. He aims to engage the listener ina wide range of emotions including joy, fear, hope, and grief. The Ceremony section is based on Oya "Primitive Fire" which depicts man's conquest of fire. The Ghanian folk song Ancient Folk Song represents the lush beauty of Ghana's Gold Coast. The Ritual is in worship of the African Go of Thunder, Shango, with a frenzied dance section culminating in a reprise of the opening melody. The piece is dedicated to and commissioned by the New Trier High School Band, Winnetka, IL.