The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Children

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

A Garret of Old Playthings
Five Carl Sandburg songs full of wistfulness, gumption and glee
Poet/Lyricist: Carl Sandburg
  • High voice, piano
Level: MA
A Love Like That: Songs of Unconditional Love
Six songs full of wholehearted grace, generosity and awe
Poet/Lyricist: Silsbee, Emerson, Hafiz, Alexander, White
  • Low voice, piano
  • Medium voice, piano
  • High voice, piano
Level: M
April Rain Song
A richly-textured lullaby sung by the rain itself
Poet/Lyricist: Langston Hughes
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
Chosen People
An affirmation of the blessedness and belonging of all people
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • SATB, chamber ensemble
Level: M
For So the Children Come
An affirmation of the limitless potential of all children
Poet/Lyricist: Sophia Lyon Fahs
  • SATB, piano
Level: MA
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
A beloved Polish carol with two different arrangements: “Soulful Close Harmony” and “Classical Chorale”
Poet/Lyricist: Traditional, additional lyrics by Elizabeth Alexander
  • SSA a cappella
Level: ME
Kindling: Small Reflections on a Limitless Faith
A wide-ranging exploration of the touchstones that bring meaning, inspiration, and wonder to our lives
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • SATB, chamber ensemble
Level: MA
No Ordinary Song
An earnest call to heal old wounds and build beloved community
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Medium voice, piano
  • Community / Congregational Song
Level: ME
On the Edge of the Water
An allegory on life’s beauty, transience, and everlasting nature
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • Low voice, piano
Level: M
One More Redeemer
A warm-hearted affirmation of the divine spark in each child
Poet/Lyricist: Rob Eller-Isaacs & Bill Neely
  • SATB a cappella
Level: ME
Sleep Song
A thoughtful meditation on a child's gentle sleep
Poet/Lyricist: Ann Silsbee
  • Low voice, piano
  • Medium voice, piano
  • High voice, piano
Level: M
Spring Grass
The first dance of spring: tweedle-dum and fiddle-dee-dee!
Poet/Lyricist: Carl Sandburg
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
Spring Revels
Three glimpses of spring joy
Poet/Lyricist: Langston Hughes, e. e. cummings, Carl Sandburg
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
They Have Freckles Everywhere
Seven affectionate portraits of our bodies’ amazing parts
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander with Hall Elementary School students
  • SSAA, piano
Level: M
Trust the Seeds
A meditation seed-planting, patience and faith
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB a cappella
  • SATB, flute, oboe, piano
  • SATB, orchestra
Level: Various