Shenandoah was the Native American leader of the Oneida tribe who lived to well over 100 years of age and died in 1816. A folk song honouring his name had become well-known throughout north-east America, Canada and even amongst English sailors by the middle of the 19^th century, and it’s believed to have first been sung by fur traders who worked on the Missouri River in Shenandoah’s realm.

This arrangement was made in 2020 by American composer Caroline Shaw for cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott, which they recorded on their album Songs of Comfort and Hope.

© Tom McKinney