Okaoka Christopher Marshall

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2005
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2, 3
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet in Bb 1, 2, 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1, 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet in Bb 1, 2, 3
Horn in F 1, 2
Trombone 1, 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion 1 (marimba, bells)
Percussion 2 (vibraphone, tam-tam)
Percussion 3 (triangle, snare drum, suspended cymbal, temple blocks, pedal bass drum, cowbell, 2 toms, wind chimes)
Percussion 4 (guiro, tambourine, crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, maracas)
This music is inspired by my memories of the unique sights and sounds of the Pacific Islands of Samoa, where I lived and worked for three years (1989-1992).

Okaoka! (pronounced 'awkaAWka') is a Samoan exclamation of surprise something like "Wow!" in English. Most Samoan dance is accompanied by song and this one is built on the light-hearted song "Okaoka La'u Honey" where the singer compares his lover to some of the most sought-after and exotic foods availble in Samoa at the turn of the 20th century.

The music starts in a reflective mood, as if the singer is trying to recall the words of the song. Then flowing lines suggest a single dancer performing the graceful, dignified movements of the 'siva sa'o', or formal dance. Gradually more and more dancers join in, excitement builds, and the music becomes an expression of unrestrained exuberance.

Then, as in a dream, the sounds and images of the dancers dissolve in the fragrant calm of the night.