The Justice Symphony

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The Justice Symphony was composed in 2019-2020 as a commission from The University of Michigan and The Washington Chorus. The primary thematic material is attributed to music from the Civil Rights era, which was the vehicle that helped shepherd many protests toward the cause of equal rights for Black Americans. The first movement is a fantasia on Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, which is derived from the gospel hymn Keep Your Hand on the Plow. The mixed meters and extended phrases give the listener the sense of being on a ride in which they must grab on to something to stay in place. The second movement, Take My Hand Precious Lord, is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His favorite hymn, it was sung at King's funeral by gospel singer Mahlia Jackson. The last movement, Ego Trippin,' speaks to the power of believing in one's self. Songs from the Civil Rights era that are included in this movement are, Oh Freedom, We Shall Overcome (with slightly altered, updated text), We Shall Not Be Moved, and culminated in James Weldon Johnson's Lift Every Voice and Sing just after the choir shouts, "No Justice, No Peace!"

Orchestral performance parts are available via rental.

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Recording available here