Ballard: Devil's Promenade, Fantasy Aborigine No. 3, The Four Moons & Scenes from Indian Life

Featuring

John Jeter
Fort Smith Symphony
Louis W. Ballard

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Compositional Technique

Ballard's compositions sometimes include stylized rhythms, Indigenous North American instruments, folklore, mythology, and occasionally borrowed melodies.

Recording & Production

This album features world premiere recordings of Louis Wayne Ballard's works, including his third ballet, The Four Moons, and Fantasy Aborigine No. 3 'Kokopelli'.

Performer Biography

The Fort Smith Symphony, founded in 1923, is the oldest orchestra in Arkansas and is a per-service professional ensemble.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ballard's works were informed by his participation as a dancer and musician in powwows, and his knowledge of traditional songs and cultural elements from many tribes.

Composer Biography

Louis Wayne Ballard, also known as 'Honganozhe' (meaning 'Stands with Eagles' in Quapaw), is recognized as the first Indigenous North American composer of art music.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ballard's compositional style was eclectic, incorporating tonal, atonal, and twelve-tone elements, and often reflected his Indigenous North American heritage through music, art, dance, literature, and mythology.