15. Celebration

“They made it! They all made it!” Indeed, all those pioneers on the first overland trek to California did make it into the lush, green valley near present-day Sacramento. Many in future expeditions were not so fortunate.
The opening hymn is a joyous outburst of emotion, simply celebrating this group’s wonderful good fortune. It is followed by a sobering and sad recollection of some of those who went after…”who are buried, wagon wheels passed over…”
Then the guitar brings us back to the simple beauty of Beckoning, with the soprano (Nancy) wondering again if it was all worth it. “If he should ask me, would I go with him (Ben) again?” Of course the answer is “YES” and the two have a loving and gentle moment together before the Proposal theme…and a few others…combine and grow until everyone everywhere shares the joy of “New Life!”

Orchestral & Choral Version

Piano & Choral Version*

*Original Cast CD recording from August 1993:
Joy Bechtler, Soprano
Polly Kopituk, Mezzo-Soprano
David Ronis, Tenor
Martin Hargrove, Bass
Eric Houghton, Piano/Composer