The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Freedom

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

Climb
A rapturous call to freedom and risk
Poet/Lyricist: Edna St. Vincent Millay
  • SSATB, piano
Level: MA
Die Gedanken Sind Frei
A 16th century German protest song, recast with wit and defiance
Poet/Lyricist: Traditional, additional lyrics by Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • Treble voice, bass voice, piano
  • Two equal voices, piano
Level: ME
Freedom and Justice
A Split Hickory song about two cherished values
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Vocalist
Level: M
Jó!
A 16th century decree of tolerance, celebrated with Eastern European vitality
Poet/Lyricist: Edict of Torda / King John Sigismund III
  • Vocal trio a cappella
  • SSA a cappella
Level: M
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
This is What Democracy Looks Like
A rally-ready protest song licensed through Creative Commons
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Community / Congregational Song
Level: E
You were meant for this
A fierce and vibrant farewell to a dying friend
Poet/Lyricist: Teresa Schreiber Werth
  • SSAA a cappella
Level: MA