Two Songs of the Navajo

These two selections, Chant and The Cycle of Life from the Navajo tribe have been transcribed and through-composed for full orchestra by Gary Robert Buchanan and premiered by The Foundation Orchestra in 2002. These sacred songs are known to virtually all Navajo people and are, therefore, excellent musical representations of their concepts in religious musical performance, both in modal melody and additive meter. The Recorder Soloist leads the ensemble. If a Native American Lakota Flute is used, the tuning should be F, G, Ab, Bb. C, D, Eb and F ascending. The work may be played by any good school, community, or professional orchestra.