The Promise of Liberty (Unison or 2-Part)

8 Pages Posted: 14 Sep 2011

Date Written: June 9, 2011

Abstract

An adaptation of The New Colossus for two-part or unison chorus with optional descant and optional piano or guitar accompaniment. Duration: 3 minutes.

The text of The Promise of Liberty is an adaptation of the sonnet The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus (1883), which was written to raise money for the construction of the Statue of Liberty's pedestal and has graced the entrance to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor since 1945. The chorus is adapted from the Lazarus poem, while the verses are new text written by the composer.

The Promise of Liberty is designed for flexibility: May be sung a cappella or with piano or guitar accompaniment. All verses are unison. The chorus may be sung in unison or 2-part harmony. The final chorus has an optional descant. The conductor may invite the audience to join in the final chorus.

"The Promise of Liberty provides many performance options, as well as many teachable moments. From learning to recognize an AB form, following 1st and 2nd endings, repeat signs, duple rhythms, descant and other young choral vocabulary words, your kids will learn to read a choral score and learn about compositional form, not to mention the history of the Statue of Liberty. Add the variations to the chorus and other performance options, and you have a great new patriotic number for audiences to enjoy." Jenny Price, Washington State ACDA Repertoire & Standard Chair, Children's Choirs

Also available in an SATB arrangement.

Keywords: Unison, Chorus, Unison chorus, Children's Chorus, Youth Chorus, Children's Choir, Youth Choir, 2-part, 2-part chorus, 2-part harmony, liberty, patriotism, america, history, new york, immigration, diversity

Suggested Citation

Bartholomew, Greg, The Promise of Liberty (Unison or 2-Part) (June 9, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1927339 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1927339

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