The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Justice

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

Fighting Over What We Believe
A bold meditation on conflict, communication 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
Kindling: Small Reflections on a Limitless Faith
An ecstatic and introspective cantata on the things that inspire, challenge and nourish our religious lives
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • SATB, chamber ensemble
Level: MA
Love is the Spirit of this Church
A feast of old-time gospel, with a vision for our time
Poet/Lyricist: Tony Larsen, additional lyrics by Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
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
No Ordinary Song
A solo or congregational song for healing our wounded world
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Community / Congregational Song
  • Medium voice, piano
Level: ME
No Other People’s Children
A song of reconciliation affirming the belovedness of all people
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Flexible voicing: 1-4 pt. choir
Level: E
One More Step
A richly imagined arrangement of a visionary protest anthem
Poet/Lyricist: Joyce Poley
  • SATB, spoken voices, piano
Level: MA
Pages
A clear-eyed look at the world’s challenges, with a contemplative call to action
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • SATB, chamber ensemble
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
Spirit of Life (McDade, arr. Alexander)
A still, small instrumental arrangement of Carolyn McDade’s beloved song
  • Piano solo
Level: ME
This is What Democracy Looks Like
A rally-ready protest song licensed through Creative Commons
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Community / Congregational Song
Level: E
When the Song of the Angels Is Stilled
A rhythmic and relevant best-seller about the true “work of Christmas”
Poet/Lyricist: Howard Thurman
  • SATB a cappella
  • SATB, flute
  • SSAA a cappella
  • TTBB a cappella
Level: M