Da kom die Alibama (2015)
for solo piano
Afrikosmos Volume 4: No 11
In memoriam MB
Composed 15 November 2016, Saint-Léger-Magnazeix
Publisher: Bardic Edition
Available from Goodmusic Publishing
Score BDE 1284 (Volume 4 Complete)
Duration: 1'25"
Recording
Recorded by Antony Gray on 'Michael Blake: Afrikosmos’ (Divine Art DA 21374)
Première
First performance: 21 August 2021; Le Genesteix Concerts, Azat-le-Ris, France; Antony Gray piano
Further performance: 21 June 2023; Goldsmiths College London; Antony Gray piano (UK première)
Programme note
Da kom die Alibama is a traditional song about the American confederate ship the ‘Alibama’ arriving in Table Bay. This arrangement evokes the sound of the guitars and banjos that accompany the traditional music of the Cape Malay people who sing it regularly at the 2 January carnival. The text reads: “Daar kom die Alibama, die Alibama die kom oor die see. (x2) / Nooi, nooi, die rietkooi, nooi, die rietkooi is gemaak, / die rietkooi is vir my gemaak om daarop te slaap. (x2) Die Alibama, die Alibama, die Alibama kom oor die see. (x2)”
for solo piano
Afrikosmos Volume 4: No 11
In memoriam MB
Composed 15 November 2016, Saint-Léger-Magnazeix
Publisher: Bardic Edition
Available from Goodmusic Publishing
Score BDE 1284 (Volume 4 Complete)
Duration: 1'25"
Recording
Recorded by Antony Gray on 'Michael Blake: Afrikosmos’ (Divine Art DA 21374)
Première
First performance: 21 August 2021; Le Genesteix Concerts, Azat-le-Ris, France; Antony Gray piano
Further performance: 21 June 2023; Goldsmiths College London; Antony Gray piano (UK première)
Programme note
Da kom die Alibama is a traditional song about the American confederate ship the ‘Alibama’ arriving in Table Bay. This arrangement evokes the sound of the guitars and banjos that accompany the traditional music of the Cape Malay people who sing it regularly at the 2 January carnival. The text reads: “Daar kom die Alibama, die Alibama die kom oor die see. (x2) / Nooi, nooi, die rietkooi, nooi, die rietkooi is gemaak, / die rietkooi is vir my gemaak om daarop te slaap. (x2) Die Alibama, die Alibama, die Alibama kom oor die see. (x2)”
