Bernadine Johnson

Delaware: The First State

Delaware: The First State is a musical portrayal of some of our nation's early history. 'Liberty and Independence' is bold and distinctive, representing freedom. It includes octaves, full bitonal chords, and a few measures of irregular meter. The middle section represents a more traditional chord structure and simpler harmonies. 'The Delaware Coast' is flowing, with a left hand melody throughout that frequently crosses over the right hand. Constantly moving 16th notes depict the gentle simplicity of the breezy coastline. 'Peaches and Holly Rag' concludes this suite on a happy, lighthearted note. It begins in F major, moves to B-flat major, and ends in the original key of F major. A Joplinesque feel is achieved through a syncopated melody and steady quarter-note bass line. There are octaves and abundant leaps in the left hand as well as mixed articulations between the hands.