The Music of Elizabeth Alexander

Works about Water

Title

Poet/Lyricist

Voicing/Instrumentation

Level

April Rain Song
A richly-textured lullaby sung by the rain itself
Poet/Lyricist: Langston Hughes
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
Calm the Tempests of My Heart
A prayer for peace within one’s own heart
Poet/Lyricist: Søren Kierkegaard
  • Flexible voicing: 2-4 pt choir
  • SSA a cappella
Level: E
Even the Stars will Wonder
Songs of love and loss in the aftermath of war
Poet/Lyricist: Rose Ausländer
  • Soprano, chamber orchestra
Level: A
Immortal Love
An elegantly sculpted chorale about eternal and abiding love
Poet/Lyricist: John Greenleaf Whittier
  • SATB 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
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
Spring Revels
Three glimpses of spring joy
Poet/Lyricist: Langston Hughes, e. e. cummings, Carl Sandburg
  • SATB a cappella
Level: MA
Water Sings Blue
A sparkling orchestral work capturing the fluidity and delight of water
  • Orchestra
Level: M