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Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He moved to New York City as a young man, where he made his career. One of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He famously wrote about the period that "the negro was in vogue", which was later paraphrased as "when Harlem was in vogue." Growing up in a series of Midwestern towns, Hughes became a prolific writer at an early age. He graduated from high school in Cleveland, Ohio and soon began studies at Columbia University in New York City. Although he dropped out, he gained notice from New York publishers, first in The Crisis magazine, and then from book publishers and became known in the creative community in Harlem. He eventually graduated from Lincoln University. In addition to poetry, Hughes wrote plays, and short stories. He also published several non-fiction works. From 1942 to 1962, as the civil rights movement was gaining traction, he wrote an in-depth weekly column in a leading black newspaper, The Chicago Defender. |
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-7 of 7 items.
Craig McLeish : The Negro Speaks of Rivers Craig McLeish writes of The Negro Speaks of Rivers; Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the first black American to earn his living from writing. He was an innovator of jazz poetry, becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote plays, short stories, novels, and his poetry was widely read. He was also a journalist, columnist and lecturer. The Negro Speaks of Rivers was perhaps his earliest published work, written when only 17 and while travelling by train to Mexico to visit his father. As the train crossed the Mississippi he suddenly began thinking about how rivers had impacted on Negro history, particularly in the fight against slavery. The four rivers mentioned in the poem lent themselves to using musical influences from those particular regions. Songlist: I've Known Rivers, The Congo, The Euphrates, The Mississippi, The Nile 
Langston Hughes : Dream of Freedom The poetry of Langston Hughes inspires this 25-minute choral suite, telling a story of many aspects of life, prayer, love, death, and perseverance. Through it all, these elements play into our constant struggle to be free, where freedom means more than just a word. For SATB voices, soloists and piano, movements include: Wisdom, Feet o' Jesus, Silence, Lonesome Corner, Autumn Thought, Still Here, Dream of Freedom, Words Like Freedom. Total Duration: ca: 25:00. Songlist: Wisdom, Silence, Lonesome Corner, Feet O' Jesus, Still Here, Words Like Freedom
Margaret Bonds : In His Hand A frequent collaborator with poet Langston Hughes and one of the first black women to break into the world of classical composition and performance, Margaret Bonds studied with Roy Harris at Juilliard and worked as a composer and educator until her unexpected death in 1972. Theodore Presser Company is honored to present In His Hand, a collection of Bonds' arrangements of well-known spirituals, especially featuring the version of ""He's Got the Whole World in His Hand"" that pioneering black American opera soprano Leontyne Price was fond of singing at her orchestra concerts in the 1950s and 1960s. Songlist: Go, Tell it on the Mountain, Ezek'el Saw The Wheel, Didn't It Rain!, Hold On, Joshua Fit Da Battle Of Jericho, I Got A Home In That Rock, He's Got The Whole World In His Hand
Ricky Ian Gordon : Genius Child - High Voice Ricky Ian Gordon is a very talented modern composer whose compositions have been performed worldwide. He is equally at home writing for the concert hall, opera, dance, theatre and film. This collection is a cycle of ten songs for voice and piano using poems by Langston Hughes. Includes: Border Line - Joy - Kid In The Park - My People - Prayer - Winter Moon - and more. Songlist: Winter Moon, Genius Child, Kid In The Park, To Be Somebody, Troubled Woman, Strange Hurt, Prayer, Border Line, My People, Joy
Ricky Ian Gordon : Only Heaven Settings of 17 poems by Langston Hughes. Contents: Angel Wings - Daybreak in Alabama - Delinquent - Demand - Dream - Dream Variations - Drum - Harlem Night Song - In Time of Silver Rain - Late Last Night - Litany Luck - Night: Four Songs - Port Town - Song for a Dark Girl - Stars - When Sue Wears Red. Songlist: In Time Of Silver Rain, Harlem Night Song, Daybreak In Alabama, When Sue Wears Red, Late Last Night, Port Town, Angel Wings, Luck, Delinquent, Dream Variations, Stars, Song For A Dark Girl, Drum, Litany, Dream, Night: Four Songs, Demand
Rosephanye Powell : Langston Dreams - High Voice The words of Langston Hughes resound more today than ever for justice, truth and freedom. Rosephanye Powell has selected 3 poems by Mr. Hughes and set them to music: 1. I Dream a World, 2. To Sit and Dream, and 3. Hold Fast to Dreams. These are contemporary art songs that should be a part of every vocal student's study and performance repertoire. Songlist: I Dream a World, To Sit and Dream, Hold Fast to Dreams
Rosephanye Powell : Langston Dreams - Low Voice The words of Langston Hughes resound more today than ever for justice, truth and freedom. Rosephanye Powell has selected 3 poems by Mr. Hughes and set them to music: 1. I Dream a World, 2. To Sit and Dream, and 3. Hold Fast to Dreams. These are contemporary art songs that should be a part of every vocal student's study and performance repertoire. Songlist: I Dream a World, To Sit and Dream, Hold Fast to Dreams |
Displaying 1-24 of 24 items.
Poet Langston Hughes writes, A long time ago, an enslaved people heading toward freedom made up a song: Keep Your Hand on the Plow! Hold On! The plow plowed a new furrow across the field of history. Into that furrow, the freedom seed was dropped. From that seed a tree grew, is growing, will ever grow. That tree is for you, and me and everybody. This is for an advanced choir with an accomplished accompanist.
Arranger: Joseph Joubert | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
This Freedom Song was sung as an anthem of protest during the Civil Rights Movement to spread the message of faith, determination and perseverance of the people who sang them. The composer has combined this with original music to the words of the Langston Hughes poem Words Like Freedom to create a wonderful showcase for treble voices.
Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Written as a celebration of singing for racial and social justice this powerful work sets the 11th stanza of the Langston Hughes poem Freedom's Plow. Opening with a quote from America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee), the listener is reminded of one of America's most important ideals - freedom. This work serves as a prequel to Rollo's 2009 setting of the poem's 12th and final stanza, also entitled Freedom's Plow (00114463). The two pieces can be performed separately or as a set.
Composer: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Dave Brubeck has masterfully adapted the words of Langston Hughes to bring us this exceptional new choral work. This is one of four new chorals adapted from the larger work HOLD FAST TO DREAMS. Inspiring and wonderful music!
Composer: Dave Brubeck | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
With a special connection to the poetry of Langston Hughes, Kirke Mechem has written a new, a cappella spiritual. Opening with a musical statement by a soprano soloist, the soloist is featured throughout. In a typical, Mechem musical style, this tour de force is lush and new and emotional. Duration: ca. 3:00.
Composer: Kirke Mechem | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Original music to a text by Langston Hughes combine with the old spiritual Oh, Freedom to create a gospel showcase for young singers that will build vocal and performance skills through the message of freedom for all. Perfect for honor choirs, MLK concerts and many other types of programs.
Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
This popular Langston Hughes poem has been imaginatively set for young choral ensembles by Lon Beery. An excellent 3-part mixed selection, it also includes an optional baritone part for young men whose voices have dropped, allowing the choral director to adjust the arrangemnet to fit the needs of the choir. Gentle flute obbligato. Available: 3-Part Mixed. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50.
Composer: Lon Beery | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Quotes of the beloved spiritual Hold On are combined with excerpts from Freedom's Plow by Langston Hughes in this powerful and dramatic work commissioned by the St. Louis Symphony. Themes of the struggle for liberty and justice throughout America and the world make this a magnificent concert closer for festival and community performances with keyboard, bass and drums or the optional orchestral accompaniment! Available separately: SATB divisi, Orchestra score and parts (fl, ob, cl, bn, hn, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2 (btbn), bells, perc 1-2, vn 1-2, va, vc, db). Duration: ca. 5:00.
Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The first work in the set, Perspectives, by Dwight Bigler, featuring poetry by Langston Hughes. A light and bouncy melody with the piano as an equal and important voice. The work captures the joy and innocence of childhood expressed in the text.
Composer: Dwight Bigler | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The great poet and essayist Langston Hughes used the power of words to speak out against racism, division, poverty and greed. In this new setting of the poem Give Us Our Peace, we first hear the African American spiritual I've Been in the Storm So Long. Once the historical context is established, a treble chorus - representing the role of innocent children - enter singing Dona Nobis Pacem (grant us peace). Finally, the mixed chorus enters with the bluesy/gospel theme that carries the rest of the song. Powerful and inspiring.
Composer: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
I Dream a World is the third and final piece in the set, Perspectives. It is an eloquent expression of hope for a world where all of humankind treats each other with love, respect and selflessness. The better we learn to do this, the more freedom, peace and joy will attend, as Langston Hughes says, the needs of all mankind.
Composer: Dwight Bigler | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
A poem by Langston Hughes forms the framework for this 3-part treble setting. A powerful affirmation of the human spirit, and an excellent selection for treble choirs in high school and up, or better children's choirs.
Composer: Peter Robb | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Written in memory of Benjamin, Charlie, and Bailey Bartlett, the composer has created a gorgeous and tender work that truly brings light to a darkened world. The piano, cello, viola, and voices fit together seamlessly. The part-writing will offer a challenge for your choir, while the memorable melody will stick with your singers, being a lifelong lesson that will come back to them in difficult times. Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series.
Arranger: Connor J. Koppin | Poetry By: Langston Hughes Performed By: Missouri State University Chamber Choir
A poem by Langston Hughes forms the lyric framework for this 3-part setting. Begnning with a joyous gospel opening with three layered vocal parts, the work unfolds into a powerful affirmation of the human spirit.Available separately: 3-Part Treble, Instrumental ePak (parts for Alto Sax, Trumpet 1 & 2, Electric Bass, Drums, Violin 1 & 2, Viola and Cello) and VoiceTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 3:20
Composer: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The famous text is set to a beautiful melody with a dramatic buildup midway emphasizing the powerful meaning herein. The treble version of this piece has been extremely popular. We are pleased that mixed voice choirs can now experience Szymko's special treatment of Langston Hughes's beloved poem.
Composer: Joan Szymko | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
This classic and inspirational text by Langston Hughes is appropriate in school or church. And it is a great vehicle for teaching your singers about hopes and dreams and that their dreams can make a difference. David's music is tuneful and sturdy and strong and a wonderful concert closer. Sing as though your dream can make a difference is a message we all need to hear and sing. Duration: Ca. 4 minutes
Arranger: David L. Brunner | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
"The Langston Hughes poem 'I, Too' is a powerful statement by an African-American writer. Although too often denied equal opportunity or respectful treatment in this country, the author claims his right as an American: 'I, too, sing America. The musical setting interprets this phrase literally. Not only does the author sing praises of his country, he also sings the words to the patriotic song, 'America' ('My Country, 'Tis of Thee,' lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith: 1808-1895). The text of this song has been adapted to include references to African-American experiences.
Composer: Gwyneth Walker | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Commissioned by the Texas Choral Directors Association for their 2009 honor choir, this lush setting of a classic Langston Hughes text uses the full range and dynamics of the woman's voice. Dr. Clausen has crafted a piece that will find its way on festival lists for years to come.
Composer: Rene Clausen | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Celebrate the new life that spring brings in this work that is based on a Langston Hughes text and features a baritone soloist, call and response phrases between upper and lower voices, and finally a layered gospel-style section with sopranos floating on top with the text in time of silver rain when spring and life are new. A companion work to When Storms Arise (HL08711567) and Didn't It Rain (HL08711568). Duration: ca. 4:00.
Arranger: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
Now available in an SATB voicing! The subtle imagery of an awakening spring is perfectly displayed in this exquisite work set to a Langston Hughes text. Not to be missed!
Arranger: John Purifoy | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The poetry of Langston Hughes has a natural rhythm to it. This music is urgent and driven and calls on the singers to produce a wide range of dynamics and emotions and, of course, rhythm.
Composer: Sally Lamb McCune | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
The second work in the set, Perspectives, by Dwight Bigler, featuring poetry by Langston Hughes. The text expresses the wisdom and courage gained by age and passed from generation to generation. The use of jazz elements in both the piano and vocal lines capture the vernacular language of the poetry.
Composer: Dwight Bigler | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
A persistent underlying rhythm gives this setting of the Langston Hughes poem a powerful and mysterious drive. The vocal parts are accessible and the acoustic bass and conga drums add to the overall impact. Dreams and I Dream A World are available separately. Performance Time: Approx. 2:50
Composer: Rollo Dilworth | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
To sit and dream, to sit and read, To sit and learn about the world These words from a poem by Langston Hughes invite us to reach toward dreams of a better world and a more just society. The bluesy choral setting will be an excellent selection for mixed choirs in high school and up. Available: SATB divisi. Duration: ca. 5:00.
Composer: Rosephanye Powell | Poetry By: Langston Hughes
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