Seafarer Press | Elizabeth Alexander, composer

A NEW CONCERT-LENGTH WORK FOR NARRATOR AND A VARIETY OF VOCAL FORCES

Rehnberg Memorial Window.
Reproduced by permission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, IL.

If you think religious history has to be dry and dusty, think again!  This concert-length work in words and song recasts the prophetic words of poets, preachers, reformers and sages as art songs, ballads, blues and spirited choral pieces.

Inspired by a host of historic free thinkers, from the pensive and poetic, to the fierce and feisty, these lively and diverse offerings trace the path of liberal religion from 16th-century Germany to our present day's rich spiritual heritage.

Highlights include a defiant protest song from the German Peasant Wars, an exuberant Transylvanian declaration of religious tolerance, a soulful gospel elaboration of a (misattributed) Martin Luther quote, an intimate portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson's beneficent "Oversoul", and a sweet-and-tough blues riff on the Buddhist concept of suffering.  The title song, "Go Out!" gives a rousing treatment to 18th century American minister John Murray's famous exhortation: "Give them not hell, but hope!"

Some concert presenters will have plenty of soloists and small ensembles on hand, while others will be looking for a chance to showcase their choral forces.  With that in mind, there’s a great deal of flexibility built into this work.  In most cases, the songs are available in low, medium and high voicings.  Several songs may be performed by either a choir or small ensemble.  While considering how best to perform this complete work using the forces at hand, freedom of thought is encouraged!

All music used in performances of Go Out! must be legally purchased as individual titles.  The cost of music will vary according to the size of performing forces and use of optional selections.

For more information, see Go Out! Narration and Guide to Production (pdf).