Thought-provoking and moving music by eight modern composers spans the range of expression from solo cello to chorus, from jazz ensemble to woodwind quintet.
Anthony Elliott, cello; Yolanda Williams, Dan Dressen, Maria Jette, soloists; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and Chorus with orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor.
“Beautifully sung with fine choral balance.”
—Gramophone
| 1 |
Mother to Son (Undine Smith Moore) Yolanda Williams, soprano; VocalEssence Chorus |
1955 |
| 2 |
We Shall Walk Through the Valley (Undine Smith Moore) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
1977 |
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from Lamentations: Black Folk Song Suite (Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson) Anthony Elliott, cello |
1973 | |
| 3 | II Song Form | |
| 4 | IV Perpetual Motion | |
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| 5 |
An Old Black Woman, Homeless and Indistinct (Joseph Jennings) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers with orchestra |
1995 |
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from Dance Like the Wind (William Banfield) Woodwind quintet |
1995 | |
| 6 |
She’s Making Coffee Act A, scene 4 |
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| 7 |
All Four in the Car Act B, scene 5 |
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| 8 |
Dance Like the Wind (Island Sway) Act B, scene 6a |
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| 9 |
Tambourines to Glory (Undine Smith Moore) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
1973 |
| 10 |
My Soul Hath Found Refuge in Thee (Psalm 91) (Evelyn Simpson-Curenton) Dan Dressen, tenor; VocalEssence Chorus |
1996 |
| 11 |
Nocturne (Adolphus Hailstork) Maria Jette, soprano; VocalEssence Ensemble Singers |
1984 |
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| from Piece for String Orchestra (Billy Childs) | 1989 | |
| 12 | II Slow | |
| 13 | III Fast | |
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Images, Shadows and Dreams: Five Vignettes (David Baker) VocalEssence Ensemble Singers; Jazz Ensemble |
1993 | |
| 14 | I Rents Due Monday | |
| 15 | II The Nonagenarian | |
| 16 | III If There Be Sorrow | |
| 17 | IV The Rebel | |
| 18 | V Let Me Tell You How to Meet the Day |