Requiem For America, The Native American Story

About this episode

This episode discusses the musical work 'Requiem For America' by Brent Michael Davids, which addresses the treatment of Native Americans in the context of America's founding.

Many orchestras and chamber groups are celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding this year. While most of the music is a positive portrayal of the United States there is at least one musical work telling the tale of the horrific treatment of Native Americans and their lands. The piece is Requiem For America by Mohican/Munsee-Lenape composer Brent Michael Davids. He describes it as a searing work confronting hard truths about America’s founding. It’ll be performed by the BBC Orchestra in London this month, before its American premiere in November.

People in this episode

Host: Judlyne Lilly

Topics covered

• Native American history
• American founding
• musical composition
• orchestral performance
• cultural representation

Keywords

• Requiem For America
• Brent Michael Davids
• Native Americans
• BBC Orchestra
• American history
• musical performance
• 250th anniversary

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Orchestra

Books & works: Requiem For America

Places: America, London

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