Awakening

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Piano — This piece is based on the poem The Awakening by James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938). Johnson was a civil-rights activist, writer, composer, politician, educator, lawyer, and diplomat. He was also a leading figure in the creation and development of the Harlem Renaissance. He is best known for writing the hymn Lift Every Voice and Singxa0with his brother in 1900.I was drawn to The Awakening because it has a powerful and moving text that I think many can relate to, especially teenagers. As I wrote it, I imagined a disoriented, dream-like state at the beginning, where the singer identifies as a beautiful, yet lonely rose that no one notices or appreciates. In the second verse, the excitement and anticipation grow as the bee approaches and responds lovingly to the rose. Now blissfully validated, the rose realizes that it was well worth the wait! Jones' powerful composition for mixed choirs, based on the poem by writer James Weldon Johnson, is both haunting and evocative. Set in D minor with a driving rhythmic piano accompaniment, mixed choirs will feel empowered singing this fabulous piece! Also available for SSA Voices (BL1170).

Preview Pages