The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Darkness

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

Faith is the bird that feels the light
A sweet and soulful affirmation on darkness, light and faith
Poet/Lyricist: Rabindranath Tagore
  • SSA a cappella
  • SATB a cappella
Level: M
Hear Us, O Never-Failing Light
An ancient Mozarabic Easter prayer extolling the bounty of divine Light
Poet/Lyricist: Mozarabic Easter Eve prayer
  • Flexible voicing: 2-4 pt choir
Level: ME
I Write This Poem Out Of Darkness
A solitary poet offers unvarnished compassion and solidarity to her imagined readers
Poet/Lyricist: George Ella Lyon
  • Vocal trio, flute, violin, piano
  • SSA, flute, violin, piano
Level: MA
Praise Wet Snow Falling Early
A meditation on darkness, transcendence and hope
Poet/Lyricist: Denise Levertov
  • SATB, piano
Level: M
Shelter This Candle
An evocative work about a cave’s complete darkness – and our own dazzling light
Poet/Lyricist: Edna St. Vincent Millay
  • SATB, oboe, horn, cello, harp
Level: A
Sketches in Gray
Whimsical portraits of the dusky, steely, foggy, shadowy, and furry
  • Piano solo
Level: ME
So Much Radiance
A tender parable about the wisdom and resplendence of the world’s religions
Poet/Lyricist: Elizabeth Alexander
  • SATB, piano
  • SATB, chamber ensemble
Level: MA