Shí Naashá (Piano-2023 Score) Connor Chee from Across The Desert: The Long Walk Home
ABOUT THE PIECE:
Shí Naashá is a song with deep historical and spiritual meaning for the Diné (Navajo) people. It was first sung in 1868 when the Diné were released from forced imprisonment at Bosque Redondo and began their long journey home. The song expresses the strength and hope of those walking back to their ancestral land. The title Shí Naashá translates to “I am going” or “I am walking,” representing both the physical journey and the emotional return to a sacred homeland.
When the Diné saw Tsoodził (Mount Taylor), a sacred mountain that marks the southern border of their traditional homelands, they knew they were almost home. This moment was one of immense emotional significance, and the song Shí Naashá was sung as a celebration of their return. The song is a testament to the strength, endurance, and deep spiritual connection the Navajo people have to their land.
In this piano arrangement of Shí Naashá, I sought to honor the historical and cultural depth of the song while integrating a personal musical reference. Included in the arrangement is a nod to a previous composition, Sandpainting for Piano No. 8: Southern Mountain. This reference serves as a musical evocation of Tsoodził, reinforcing its importance as a symbol of home and spiritual protection for the Navajo people. Through this connection, I aim to deepen the spiritual resonance of Shí Naashá and convey a sense of place and reverence for the land.
This arrangement was premiered at the 2023 Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival.
Digital Sheet Music Instant Download
File Type: PDF
File Size: 274 KB
Pages: 12 (5 pages of music + notes, cover and back)
