Nagamo by Andrew Balfour and musica intima

NOMINATED FOR A 2023 JUNO AWARD FOR CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR (SMALL ENSEMBLE)!
https://redshiftrecords.org/releases/tk522/

Nagamo (Sings in Cree), is a project that has been on my mind for several years.

As a former choir boy brought up in the high Anglican choral tradition, growing up singing the glorious choral music of Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell, and traveling to England several times singing in English Cathedrals made lasting impressions on me. As a 60's scooper, I was taken away from my Indigenous family when I was a baby, but luckily was raised in a loving and very musical family. I have spent most of my life trying to identify my Indigenous blood, culture and language. Through my composing and collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists it has been a beautiful Ispiciwin (Journey).

Nagamo is a reimagining of history. By taking choral music of the Elizabethan masters and other later choral music, I have reshaped the thoughts behind the texts, by changing the Latin to Ojibway or Cree perspectives. These are not direct translations of the sacred texts, rather a more Indigenous perspective of spirituality, but keeping the beauty of the polyphony intact.

musica intima and their Artistic Manager Jacob Gramit were a perfect ensemble for this project. One of Canada's finest chamber choral ensembles, musica intima was a joy to work with. Their attention to detail and their cultural and artistic respect was a journey for all of us.

In this fragile time in history, in the relationship between settler Canada and the Indigenous people of Turtle Island, I feel Nagamo was a powerful and important step in reconciliation and healing. As well, I'd like to think this is only the first step of many more towards a deeper understanding of Indigenous healing and artistic perspectives on Mother Earth now, and in the future.

Chi Miigwetch

Andrew Balfour
2022

Four Directions
Ojibway text by Andrew Balfour
Music: Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) “Te lucis ante terminum”

Ambe Anishinaabeg
Ojibway text gifted by Cory Campbell, set by Andrew Balfour
Music: Thomas Weelkes (1576-1623) “Gloria in excelsis Deo”

O Lord, make thy servant, Elizabeth
English text: Psalm 21:2, 4, alt.
Music: William Byrd (c. 1540-1623), from the Dow Partbooks

Pakaskitawew
Cree text by Andrew Balfour
Music: Henry Purcell (1659-1695) “Hear my prayer”

Laudibus in sanctis
Latin text: Paraphrase of Psalm 150
Music: William Byrd (c. 1540-1623), from Cantiones Sacrae II (1591)

What Pow’r Art Thou
Ojibway text by Andrew Balfour, English text by John Dryden (1631-1700)
Music: Henry Purcell (1659-1695) from King Arthur
Jacob Gramit, baritone solo

Trapped in Stone
Text (Scots Gaelic) and Music: Andrew Balfour
‘Trapped in Stone’ is based on and written for the memory of the Scottish prisoners of war imprisoned at Durham Cathedral, September 1650.

Reges Tharsis
Latin text: Psalm 71:10
Music: Baldwin Partbooks, dubiously attributed to William Byrd

Da pacem Domine
Latin text: hymn, 6th-7th C.
Music: Alfonso Ferrabosco the Elder, edited by Jamie Apgar (from GB-Ob MS. Tenbury 341-344), Bassus reconstruction by Jamie Apgar.

Miserere mei Deus
Latin text: Psalm 51:1-2
Music: William Byrd (c. 1540-1623), from Cantiones Sacrae II (1591)

Ispiciwin
Cree text by Andrew Balfour
Music: Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) “Drop, drop slow tears”

Omaa Biindig
Text (Ojibway) and music: Andrew Balfour

Tracklist

1.	Balfour, arr.: Four Directions	3:53

2.	Balfour, arr.: Ambe Anishinaabeg	3:06

3.	Byrd: O Lord, Make Thy Servant Elizabeth	3:18

4.	Balfour, arr.: Pakaskitawew	2:27

5.	Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis	5:11

6.	Balfour, arr.: What Pow’r Art Thou	4:09

7.	Balfour: Trapped in Stone	4:41

8.	Byrd, attr.:Reges Tharsis	3:08

9.	Ferrabosco: Da Pacem, Domine	4:20

10.	Byrd: Miserere	3:24

11.	Balfour, arr.: Ispiciwin	2:01

12.	Balfour: Omaa Biindig	4:27

Credits

released November 1, 2022

musica intima: Tabitha Brasso-Ernst, Christina Cichos, Katherine Evans, Kira Fondse, Lucy Smith, Risa Takahashi, Stephen Duncan, Jacob Gramit, Steve Maddock, Carman J. Price, Taka Shimojima, Asitha Tennekoon
Producer: Joanna Dundas
Recording Engineer: Don Harder
Editing and Mastering: Don Harder
Associate Producer: Jacob Gramit
Project Manager: Lucy Smith
Cover Art: Sonny Assu
Graphic Design: Sonny Assu

Recorded on the Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, at Pacific Spirit United Church, May 30 and 31, 2022.

NAGAMO was created with the support of FACTOR, The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings, with support from Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters. This project has been made possible by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.

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