The title of this work L’Étoile du Nord, or “The Star of the North” comes from the state motto of Minnesota, reflecting both the state’s French history and that Minnesota is the northern most state in the contiguous United States. In telling this story of Minnesota, it was important to me to explore the history and beauty of this state and to honor the culture of Native Americans in Minnesota and how they are woven together.
In Ojibwe astronomy, the constellation Maang, or Loon (also the state bird of Minnesota), is considered a messenger and leader. Within this constellation is the important North Star (Polaris), or Giiwedin Anang, used for navigation by Native Americans and settlers. The loon itself, covered with white spots, is said to reflect the many stars in the sky.
In this work you’ll hear three movements inspired by Ojibwe culture and astronomy, reflected against the background of Minnesota’s gorgeous lakes and starry skies. Each movement begins with a haiku that I wrote to represent these stories, from Giiwedin Anang guiding us home, to the loon capturing the starry night in bright white spots. I use the various calls of the loons as inspiration for these movements: In Movement 2 you’ll hear the flight call or “laughing call”, and in Movement 3 you’ll hear the mournful call and response of loons as they search for each other through the mist over a vast lake.
It was an inspiration and honor to write this work for Sonora Winds as they are so masterful in storytelling through music. I am grateful to them for this chance to explore Minnesota and Ojibwe culture, and grateful for the support of the Minnesota State Arts Board and the legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund that gives artists the opportunity to celebrate this beautiful state.
I. Giiwedin Anang (North Star)
Giiwedin Anang
Reflected on glassy lakes
Light to guide us home
II. The Loon
The night sky sparkles
A loon captures starry night
In black and white spots
III. The Call
Vast skies full of stars
Gray waters like silk ribbons
Loons call in the mist
Jenni Brandon is a composer and conductor, creating music in collaboration with other musicians and artists. She has written over 70 works, telling stories through memorable musical lines influenced by nature and poetry. Commissioned to write music from solo to orchestral works, her music appears on over 22 albums. Her music has been awarded the Sorel Medallion, American Prize, Paderewski Cycle, Women Composers Festival of Hartford International Competition, and Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition among others. Her works are published and distributed by Boosey & Hawkes, Santa Barbara Music, Graphite, TrevCo, Imagine, J.W. Pepper, June Emerson, and her own publishing company Jenni Brandon Music. As a conductor she conducts choral and instrumental works and her own works, including conducting her one-act opera 3 PADEREWSKIS in the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center. She also presents workshops on collaboration and the business of music, striving to create a supportive environment where collaboration leads to an exploration of ideas.
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
