WorshipArts Jul Aug Sep 2023

B O O K

The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers

Here are a few highlights from the anthology:

Music of Life

Compiled and edited by Marques L.A. Garrett, Oxford University Press, 2023. Reviewed by Amy Rosine. This is the first compilation of non-idiomatic choral compositions by Black composers and includes anthems, choral arts songs, madrigals, motets and part-songs from Medieval, Renaissance, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary genres. The intended use is for anyone who desires to build their library to include a rich collection of choral music written by talented, underrepresented composers. Many of the songs are available in single print and it is noted if other arrangements are available. The variety of music included is expansive and includes sacred and secular selections. I hope you will make it part of your music library!

Brittany Elizabeth Boykin, ISBN 978-0-19-256167-0, SAB, SSA and piano

Music of Life is a short accessible anthem for SAB. Set to the poetry of George Parsons Lathrop (1851-98), the piece is written in a lilting 12/8 meter and begins in 2-part, adding the third, low voice toward the end.

The Lord is My Strength

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

The Lord is My Strength is an Easter anthem composed in three contrasting sections written in 1892. It opens with SATB allegro con brio (quarter-note = 140), followed