The following notes were written by the composer's wife, Verna Arvey, for the first published edition of the work in 1948.
I. Ride an Old Paint (USA)
This cowboy tune comes from Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was sung by a rider who so loved his horse that he begged that, on his death, his bones should be tied to the horse and the two of them set wandering with their faces turned westward.
II. Adolorido (Mexico)
Lacking newspapers, the Mexican natives outside the cities invented the "corrido"-corresponding to the European "ballad"-to convey to the others the news of heroic deeds, accidents, love affairs, and so on. Aldorida is such a news-song, coming from the Bajio, or low, hot country around the state of Guanajuato. It tells of sadness over being betrayed by an ungrateful woman.
III. Jesus is a Rock in the Weary Land (USA)
This Negro spiritual differs in character from those generally arranged for singers. Here it is given a rhythmic treatment to correspond to the way it would be heard in some of the more primitive churches today.
IV. Yaravi (Peru)
In the Quecha tongue-language of the Incas-"yaravi" means "lament." Known in Peru as a song of long ago, this poignant melody speaks of the absence of a dear one.
V. A Frog Went A-Courtin' (USA)
There are many versions of this lilting tune, each one varying with the particular singer. The composer first heard it in a little village close to the mountainous section of Kentucky, and was told it came from Virginia. Other regions also claim it as indigenous to them. The basic song is said to have been in continuous use for more than 400 years.
--Verna Arvey, reprinted with permission of Oxford University Press
William Grant Still's chamber music for winds has been recorded by Stephen Caplan and the Sierra Winds on Cambria CD 1083, Get on Board.
Miniatures
William Grant Still
Oxford University Press
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