PROGRAM NOTES
A Portrait of Betty Zane (1979)
Phillip Magnuson
Orchestra
2222/4221/3/strings
Ballad
Reel
Hymn
Betty Zane (1759-1823) is often referred to as the heroine of the siege of Fort Henry, and is one of Ohio's most famous early settlers. Zane Grey made her the subject of one of his early novels, and her exploits are regularly observed in the town of Marin's Ferry, Ohio.
The three sections reflect three aspects of her character:
Ballad: a free-spirited young maiden
Reel: a courageous heroine
Hymn: a strong-willed pioneer
Portrait of Betty Zane is based upon three melodies well-known in her lifetime:
Ballad: the haunting air "Dear Mother, my toes are sore":
Reel: the dance tune "In the Lowlands":
Hymn: the Irish folksong Slane, also known as "Be Thou My Vision":
