The American tradition of tall tales and folk heroes comes to life in the epic story of famed railroad track worker, John Henry, and his fateful race against a steam powered rock drill. History is undecided as to whether or not John Henry was a real person or a compilation of several people, but in either case, one thing holds true today; his legend captured the hearts and minds of simple working folk and gave them hope, and it continues to inspire the imagination of people both young and old.
This three movement suite retells this epic legend in music. The fist movement entitled, “John's Train” depicts a lonely train as she travels along the open prairie. The plaintive sound of the train whistle and the intoxicating rhythm of the track can be heard, while John watches from a distance. The second movement, “John's Lament” is the sorrow he feels for the fate of himself and the other railroad workers in learning of the advent of an electric hammer which will replace them. The third movement. “The Race” is John's fateful race to drive more railroad spikes than the steam powered drill in order to save the jobs of all the workers.
