Program Notes
In recent years, the seed-saving and heirloom vegetable movement has put thousands of people back in touch with the diverse bounty and beauty of fresh produce. And perhaps the tomato – in all of its myriad colors, shapes, forms, flavors, and textures – is the ultimate show-stopper of the gardening world. Heirloom Hallelujah! captures the abundance of heirloom tomatoes in a joyful musical mosaic of over 160 heirloom tomato varieties in about 4 minutes of music. Behind these unique (and sometimes hilarious sounding!) names is a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and personal stories that is still growing and evolving. The text itself was assembled from several sources, with thanks to Gary Ibsen, founder of the Carmel TomatoFest and heirloom enthusiast, whose website along with The Heirloom Tomato, a book by Amy Goldman, was consulted to choose which synonym and spelling of each variety was used for the lyrics. By celebrating the wholesome diversity of the tomato in song, perhaps we can begin to encourage and grow gardens of delight in our own lives, prompting more moments where our response should be nothing but “Hallelujah!”
Heirloom Hallelujah! was composed for VocalEssence Remix 2016.
Lyrics
(see score or download file)
In recent years, the seed-saving and heirloom vegetable movement has put thousands of people back in touch with the diverse bounty and beauty of fresh produce. And perhaps the tomato – in all of its myriad colors, shapes, forms, flavors, and textures – is the ultimate show-stopper of the gardening world. Heirloom Hallelujah! captures the abundance of heirloom tomatoes in a joyful musical mosaic of over 160 heirloom tomato varieties in about 4 minutes of music. Behind these unique (and sometimes hilarious sounding!) names is a tapestry of cultures, traditions, and personal stories that is still growing and evolving. The text itself was assembled from several sources, with thanks to Gary Ibsen, founder of the Carmel TomatoFest and heirloom enthusiast, whose website along with The Heirloom Tomato, a book by Amy Goldman, was consulted to choose which synonym and spelling of each variety was used for the lyrics. By celebrating the wholesome diversity of the tomato in song, perhaps we can begin to encourage and grow gardens of delight in our own lives, prompting more moments where our response should be nothing but “Hallelujah!”
Heirloom Hallelujah! was composed for VocalEssence Remix 2016.
Lyrics
(see score or download file)
| heirloom_hallelujah_lyrics.pdf |