The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Conflict

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

Blessed Be the Flower That Triumphs
A rich meditation on tenacity, resilience, and rebirth
Poet/Lyricist: Michael DeVernon Boblett
  • SATB a cappella
  • SATB, 2 horns, harp, strings
Level: M
Conversation on a Train
A courageous conversation across a deep divide
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SA or SSAA, piano
  • low voice, high voice, piano
Level: ME
Even a Fist Was Once an Open Palm
A tender vision of the possibility and promise of peace
Poet/Lyricist: Yehuda Amichai
  • SATB a cappella
Level: A
Fighting Over What We Believe
A bold reflection on facing conflict with courage and compassion
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SSA + SAB youth, piano
  • SSA, soloists, piano
  • SATB + SAB youth, piano
  • SATB, soloists, piano
Level: M
Freedom and Justice
A Split Hickory song about two cherished values
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Vocalist
Level: M
Get Curious
A compelling look at how curiosity can nudge anger into something beautiful and transformative
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SSAA a cappella
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
May This Be a Working Alleluia
A “roll up your sleeves” embrace of gratitude, work, healing and joy
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB + children’s choir, piano, opt. flute and trumpets
Level: M
Reasons for the Perpetuation of Slavery
A clear-eyed compelling look at human slavery through the ages, including the present time
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SSAA a cappella
Level: MA
Saving all the Whales in the Sea
A cautionary fish tale about some exceedingly like-minded people
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • 1-4 pt. chorus, piano
  • medium voice, piano
Level: ME
This is What Democracy Looks Like
A rally-ready protest song (Creative Commons)
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Community / Congregational Song
Level: E