North Wind (Cherokee Wayfaring Stranger)

"North Wind" is loosely adapted from the spiritual "A Poor Wayfaring Stranger." The Cherokee text is the Western/Overhill dialect with a English translation and pronunciation guide included. "North Wind" was sung on the Trail of Tears to offer comfort to the grieving ... a quite moving portion of the text reads: "...Narrow is the road Where all the Good people went. To God's throne Is my destination." The haunting and plaintive quality of the spiritual is recreated in this setting with divisi choral textures and the rich timbre of a baritone solo. Straightforward vocal lines and interesting harmonies bring this arrangement to life with a distinct beauty for school or church presentations. It can be performed as a cappella or with handheld percussion.