Choral Choir (TTBB) - Level 5 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1196607
Composed by John Allison. A Cappella,Contemporary,Contest,Festival. Octavo. 8 pages. John Allison #795770. Published by John Allison (A0.1196607).
This is an a capella setting for six-part male voice choir (TTBarBarBB) of a C19th poem that remains remarkably relevant to any contemporary struggle against injustice. The poem was a favourite of Nelson Mandela's during his 27 years of imprisonment. The piece opens with a haunting evocation of the darkness and cruelty of unjust incarceration; a rhythmic middle section portrays the prisoner's stubborn refusal to lose hope and human dignity, whatever obstacles and punishments must be overcome. The final, maestoso section is a rousing hymn, a joyful celebration of determination to remain true to one's beliefs and ideals, and pride in being the master of one's own fate.
Audiences will appreciate the variety of moods and tempos within the piece; ending on a huge emotional high makes it the perfect number to end a performance. Male voice choirs will relish the challenge and the opportunity to demonstrate their control of dynamics, rhythmic ensemble singing and a full range of timbres from ghostly to triumphant.
