Composer

:

Shawn E. Okpebholo

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

15:27

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"Two Black Churches" is a choral work composed by Shawn E. Okpebholo in 2015. The piece was premiered on February 28, 2016, by the University of Oregon Chamber Choir, under the direction of Sharon J. Paul. The work is divided into three movements, each of which explores the themes of faith, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. The first movement, "Mother Emanuel," is a tribute to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine African American worshippers were killed in a racially motivated shooting in 2015. The movement begins with a mournful melody in the soprano and alto voices, which is then joined by the tenors and basses. The text, which is taken from Psalm 23 and the hymn "Amazing Grace," speaks of the comfort and strength that faith can provide in times of sorrow. The second movement, "Birmingham," is a tribute to the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where four African American girls were killed in a racially motivated bombing in 1963. The movement begins with a rhythmic ostinato in the lower voices, which is then joined by a soaring melody in the upper voices. The text, which is taken from the poem "Ballad of Birmingham" by Dudley Randall, speaks of the hope and resilience of the African American community in the face of violence and oppression. The third movement, "Selma," is a tribute to the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Selma, Alabama, which played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The movement begins with a driving rhythm in the lower voices, which is then joined by a powerful melody in the upper voices. The text, which is taken from the hymn "We Shall Overcome," speaks of the determination and courage of the African American community in the struggle for justice and equality. Overall, "Two Black Churches" is a powerful and moving tribute to the African American church and its role in the struggle for civil rights and social justice. The work combines elements of African American spirituals, hymns, and gospel music with contemporary choral techniques to create a unique and compelling musical experience.

More....