Listen to previews from Dett to Africa
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Brainerd Blyden-Taylor – Founder and Artistic Director
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes – Adolphus Hailstork
Gently Lord, Oh Gently Lead Us – R. Nathaniel Dett
Ave Maria – R. Nathaniel Dett
Go Down, Death – Stewart Goodyear
Drinkin’ of the Wine – Rosephayne Powell
The Chariot Jubilee – R. Nathaniel Dett
INTERMISSION
And the Angel Spoke – Robert L. Morris
O Holy Lord – R. Nathaniel Dett
Listen to the Lambs – R. Nathaniel Dett
Go Not Far From Me, O God – R. Nathaniel Dett
The Ordering of Moses (excerpts) – R. Nathaniel Dett
And from a burning bush – Chorus
God spake unto Moses – Chorus
Go down, Moses – Chorus
Lord! Who am I? – Tenor
And God spake unto Moses – Chorus
Who hath made a man dumb? – Baritone
Is it not I, Jehovah? – Baritone and Chorus
Go down, Moses – Chorus
Africa – Brian Tate
Wade in the Water – Moses Hogan
Walk Together, Children – Moses Hogan
The overarching theme of this concert is the human cry for release from bondage to freedom. The first half of the program focuses on the release of death, a rich topic for musical exploration, and not to be neglected. As one spiritual teacher suggests, Cultures that do not honour death become shallow and insubstantial. When death is denied, life lacks depth. The second half of the program focuses more on the cry of humanity for freedom from oppression, and includes the Canadian premiere of “And the Angel Spoke”, and the Ontario premiere of “Africa” by Vancouver composer Brian Tate. Earlier this month The Nathaniel Dett Chorale had the pleasure of giving the Yukon and Western Canadian premieres of this work in the composer’s presence.
