SKU: A0.1255595

Here’s a new arrangement of that ever-popular American folksong Shenandoah.  The original song probably has its origins among the French Canadians who traded with Native Americans around the Great Lakes during the sixteenth century. These traders exchanged weapons and tools for animal furs, especially beaver pelts. Paddling their canoes along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers the traders were well-known for their singing. However, as most of the traders were illiterate, the songs were never written down and went through numerous changes over the years and centuries. 
 
In most versions of the song, the lyrics tell of a seafarer, possibly a canoeing fur-trader, who was in love with the daughter of Shenandoah, a Native American Chief who lived in what is now the state of Virginia. John Shenandoah was a real person: evidently an individual of commanding presence who lived for over a hundred years.  

Shenandoah became one of the most popular capstan shanties, a slow song which set a manageable pace for the crew in a heavy and lengthy task. Most versions of the song have a similar couplet at the end of each verse. In some transcriptions, the melody is written out entirely in 4/4 time; others use triple time and some arrangements use a mixture of both. In this version, the lyrics have been selected from different versions of the song. 

This SATB arrangement for choir and piano is within easy technical reach of most amateur choirs. The top soprano note is G just above the treble staff. The highest alto note is the C above middle C and the tenor and bass parts fall well within the usual choral range. Each section of the choir takes the melody at some point. With a running time of 04:00 this piece is enjoyable to sing and hear. It’s an essential addition to your choir’s repertoire.