This piece for solo performer is based on a Māori karakia (incantation), which is first sung and then blended with the tangi (sound) of the flute. The ornate melodic style, which includes quarter-tone inflections, is inspired by that of the small Maori flute, the koauau.
Te Tangi a te Matui, traditionally a karakia which is very well known throughout Maoridom, was given to me in 1986 by my Maori language teacher, Teariki Mei of the Tuhoe tribe.
