This dramatic tone poem by Hugo Goodwin (1883-1936) was written for organ in 1919. The following text tells the story of the music, and was included in the original publication:
"At night, in the depths of the Great North Woods, we sit by the blazing camp-fire and hear the legend of the Indian maiden who to save her people offers herself as a living sacrifice to the Great Spirit. On the rushing waters she embarks in her canoe, and standing erect and fearless is whirled along faster and faster until she plunges to her death over mighty Niagara. At this point in the story, the fire mysteriously leaps up, then as quickly dies down, and the thick velvety darkness of the forest again wraps us in its pall."
This arrangement for string orchestra can be performed with or without double bass, but all of the other parts divide for much of the piece, so a minimum of 8 players are required. The total running time is approx. 5 minutes, making it a short but entertaining addition to any programme.
This arrangement was first performed by the String Orchestra of the Lancaster Community Music Centre, Lancashire, UK.
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