Archival retrival, analysis and documentation of Felix Nwuba’s Bilie Nwuwe (Arise and shine for thy light is come)

Abstract

The paper made an archival retrieval of Felix Nwuba’s Bilie Nwue Nihi Na Ihie Gi Abiawo (Arise and Shine for Thy Light is Come) which is an original composition based on the biblical text from the book of Isaiah chapter 60 verse 1. It is a choral work for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass with the Soprano solo taking the lead. The methodology used for the study is the survey and analysis of the work based on some pre-compositional considerations in terms of the form, the basic structural form, scale mode, range and tessitura, the melodic structure of the song, the medium, the length and style, the rhythm, the text/lyrics, performance/presentational form, harmonic principles and style, climax and intended audience. The findings from the structural analysis of Bilie Nwue reveal the application of contrapuntal and fugal procedures with other musical elements to his music compositions. One of the recommendations is that indigenous music composers should adopt the lyrics from the Bible and other spiritual books and musical elements from the cultural practices of the community for their compositions. This will promote cultural transmission from one generation to the other and enhance moral values of the people.