ONONYATAKAKA

LYRICS

Ononyatakaka (pronounced On-on-ya-ta-ka-ga) is Mohawk for “rock” or “stone”.  The word is strictly used for rhythmic purposes to portray sound reflecting off the surface of rock cliffs. There is no specific Mohawk legend associated with this work. Mohawk culture serves as the inspiration for the work but the musical ideas presented are entirely original and are not derived from aboriginal chant.