Composer

:

Ricky Ian Gordon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:39

"Song for a Dark Girl" is a song composed by Ricky Ian Gordon in 2005. It was premiered on February 12, 2006, at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. The song is part of a song cycle titled "Only Heaven," which is based on the poetry of Langston Hughes. The song has a slow and mournful tempo, with a simple piano accompaniment. It is written in the key of F minor and has a time signature of 4/4. The vocal line is expressive and emotional, with a range of dynamics and phrasing that reflects the sorrowful nature of the lyrics. The lyrics of "Song for a Dark Girl" are based on a poem by Langston Hughes, which tells the story of a young black woman who is lynched by a white mob. The song is a powerful commentary on the racism and violence that were prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each of which reflects a different aspect of the story. The first section describes the setting of the lynching, with the dark girl standing alone in a field. The second section describes the violence of the mob, with the dark girl being dragged away and hanged. The final section is a lament for the loss of the dark girl, with the singer mourning her passing and calling for justice. Overall, "Song for a Dark Girl" is a haunting and powerful work that reflects the pain and suffering of African Americans during a dark period in American history. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to convey complex emotions and tell important stories.

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