The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed

Last updated

Seven Last Words of the Unarmed is a choral composition by Atlanta-based composer Joel Thompson. [1] [2]

Contents

The piece contains seven movements, each of which quotes the last words of an unarmed Black man before he was killed. [3] Thompson has said that in composing the piece, he "used the liturgical format in Haydn's The Seven Last Words of Christ in an effort to humanize these men and to reckon with my identity as a black man in this country in relation to this specific scourge of police brutality." [1] He was also inspired by the illustrations of Iranian-American artist Shirin Barghi. [4] [5]

The work was premiered in November 2015 by the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club under the direction of Eugene Rogers. [6] [7] Rogers said,

"...I hesitated before taking it to my glee club; I did not want them to think I was pushing an agenda. At the same time, repertoire that deals with issues of social justice is important to me, a part of my philosophy of teaching. It engages our audience, builds a strong sense of community amongst our singers, and can foster musical ubuntu . As Nelson Mandela defined the philosophy, ubuntu holds that our personal humanity is dependent on the humanity of others. Providing a safe place for students to express and process issues that affect us all can be very rewarding and act as another vehicle for bringing change to our world. With all of that in mind, I decided to introduce the piece to the chorus. Initially, some members felt performing it would be overly political. We talked about their concerns, and some wrote essays about them. Together we found resonance in the central theme of loss, and that enabled us to get through the journey. Some of our audience expressed similar misgivings, but most of the response was extremely positive." [8]

The piece has also been performed by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (with The Village Square, the Florida A&M Concert Choir, the Morehouse College Glee Club), [3] the Chicago Sinfonietta, [9] the Boston Children's Chorus, [10] and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. [11] It found renewed interest in 2020 [12] [13] [14] [7] after the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and outbreak of police violence.

Movements

  1. “Why do you have your guns out?” – Kenneth Chamberlain, 68
  2. “What are you following me for?” – Trayvon Martin, 17
  3. “Mom, I'm going to college.” – Amadou Diallo, 23
  4. “I don't have a gun. Stop shooting.” – Michael Brown, 18
  5. “You shot me! You shot me!” – Oscar Grant, 22
  6. “It's not real.” – John Crawford, 22
  7. “I can't breathe.” – Eric Garner, 43 [3]

Related Research Articles

<i>War Requiem</i> Composition by Benjamin Britten

The War Requiem, Op. 66, is a choral and orchestral composition by Benjamin Britten, composed mostly in 1961 and completed in January 1962. The War Requiem was performed for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral, in the English county of Warwickshire, which was built after the original fourteenth-century structure was destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. The traditional Latin texts are interspersed, in telling juxtaposition, with extra-liturgical poems by Wilfred Owen, written during World War I.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Conte</span> American composer

David Conte is an American composer who has written over 150 works published by E.C. Schirmer, including six operas, a musical, works for chorus, solo voice, orchestra, chamber music, organ, piano, guitar, and harp. Conte has received commissions from Chanticleer, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Harvard University Chorus, the Men’s Glee Clubs of Cornell University and the University of Notre Dame, GALA Choruses from the cities of San Francisco, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., the Dayton Philharmonic, the Oakland Symphony, the Stockton Symphony, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, the American Guild of Organists, Sonoma City Opera, and the Gerbode Foundation. He was honored with the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Brock Commission in 2007 for his work The Nine Muses, and in 2016 he won the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Art Song Composition Award for his work American Death Ballads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glee club</span> Musical group or choir group

A glee club is a musical group or choir group, historically of male voices but also of female or mixed voices, which traditionally specializes in the singing of short songs by trios or quartets. In the late 19th century it was very popular in most schools and was made a tradition to have in American high schools from then on.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ubuntu</span> Linux distribution developed by Canonical

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution derived from Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu is officially released in multiple editions: Desktop, Server, and Core for Internet of things devices and robots. The operating system is developed by the British company Canonical, and a community of other developers, under a meritocratic governance model. As of April 2024, the most-recent long-term support release is 24.04.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Stop Believin'</span> 1981 single by Journey

"Don't Stop Believin'" is a rock song by American band Journey. It was released in October 1981 as the second single from the group's seventh studio album, Escape (1981), released through Columbia Records. "Don't Stop Believin'" shares writing credits between the band's vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. A mid-tempo rock anthem and power ballad, "Don't Stop Believin'" is memorable for its distinctive opening piano riff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sister Christian</span> 1984 single by Night Ranger

"Sister Christian" is a song by the American hard rock band Night Ranger. A power ballad, it was released in March 1984 as the second single from their album Midnight Madness. It was ranked No. 32 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. It was written and sung by the band's drummer, Kelly Keagy, for his sister. It was the band's biggest hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and staying on the charts for 24 weeks. It also reached No. 1 in Canada. The song is used in several films, including Boogie Nights (1997), Superstar (1999), Friday the 13th (2009) and Ben Affleck's 2023 film Air (2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penn State Alma Mater</span> Song

The "Penn State Alma Mater" is the official alma mater of The Pennsylvania State University. The song was accepted by the university in 1901.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus</span> Worlds first openly gay mens chorus, credited with creating the LGBT choral movement

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC) is the world's first openly gay chorus, one of the world's largest male choruses and the group most often credited with creating the LGBT choral movement.

The Community Women's Orchestra (CWO), based in Oakland, California, was founded by conductor Nan Washburn in 1985 as a community project adjunct to The Women's Philharmonic (TWP), a now-defunct, professional orchestra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ohio State University Men's Glee Club</span>

The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club is an all-male choral ensemble at Ohio State University. Officially founded in 1875, the Men's Glee Club is one of the oldest student organizations on Ohio State's campus and one of the oldest collegiate glee clubs in the United States. The group has garnered many accolades, most notably winning Choir of the World 1990 from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naya Rivera</span> American actress and singer (1987–2020)

Naya Marie Rivera was an American actress, singer, and model. Recognized for her work on the popular musical comedy-drama series Glee, in which she starred from 2009 to 2015, she received various awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for two Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Are Young</span> 2011 single by Fun

"We Are Young" is a song recorded by American pop rock band Fun, featuring American singer Janelle Monáe. It is the third track on the group's second studio album, Some Nights (2012). The song was released on September 20, 2011 as the lead single from the album. The song quickly received acclaim from music critics, with many noting the song as a breakthrough for the indie genre and praising the song's catchiness. "We Are Young" attained commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in several countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teenage Dream (Katy Perry song)</span> 2010 single by Katy Perry

"Teenage Dream" is a song by American singer Katy Perry. It was released as the second single from her third studio album of the same name on July 23, 2010. This song was written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Benny Blanco. McKee describes "Teenage Dream" as a throwback song to the euphoric feelings of being in love as a teenager while Perry described the song as reminiscent of her youth. Musically, "Teenage Dream" is a mid-tempo pop song with a retro sound. It is styled in the genres of power pop and electropop, while taking influence from other genres such as disco and pop rock. Perry starts the song in a high-pitched voice while her vocals grow stronger as the song progresses. Lyrically, "Teenage Dream" discusses being with a lover who makes one feel young again.

Duets (<i>Glee</i>) 4th episode of the 2nd season of Glee

"Duets" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the twenty-sixth episode overall. It was written by series creator Ian Brennan, directed by Eric Stoltz, and premiered on Fox on October 12, 2010. The episode featured seven cover versions, including a mash-up of "Happy Days Are Here Again" and "Get Happy" by Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darren Criss</span> American actor, singer, and songwriter

Darren Everett Criss is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame starring on the television series Glee (2010–2015) and received Emmy and Golden Globe acting awards for his leading role as spree killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018). He has also appeared on Broadway and in film and has released several musical albums.

Dr. Kathleen Alison McGuire is a choral and orchestral conductor, arranger, composer, music educator, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Known also for her work with social justice and human rights organizations, from 2000 to 2010 she served as the first female artistic director and conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus – the world's first openly gay choral organization – and in 2010 she established Singers of the Street: a choir of people affected by homelessness in San Francisco. She became a US citizen in 2011 and, in 2013, returned to Australia to serve as director of music at Queen's College and co-artistic director of the School of Hard Knocks. In 2006, she was a grand marshal in the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade. Her contributions have officially been recognized by the California Senate and State Assembly, and "Kathleen McGuire Day" was designated twice in her honor by San Francisco mayors Gavin Newsom and Edwin Lee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varsity (fight song)</span> Fight song of the University of Michigan

"Varsity" is a fight song of the University of Michigan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ave Maria (Biebl)</span> Choral composition by Franz Biebl

Ave Maria is a 1964 motet by Franz Biebl, composed for double choir, a large four-part choir and a three-part choir which can be performed by soloists. It is a setting of part of the Latin liturgical Angelus prayer, which contains the Ave Maria as a refrain. The composition was originally written for men's chorus, but the composer wrote arrangements for mixed choir and women's choir. The work and arrangements were published by Wildt's Musikverlag, first in 1964. The piece first became famous when a U.S. group, the Cornell University Glee Club, included it in their Christmas programs, and more famous when the Chanticleer ensemble made it part of their regular repertoire. It was published in the U.S. by Hinshaw and became one of the publisher's best-selling items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Lives Matter movement in popular culture</span>

The Black Lives Matter movement has been depicted and documented in various artistic forms and mediums including film, song, television, and the visual arts. In some instances this has taken place in the form of protest art. These cultural representations have also grown organically among artists who seek to partake in activist efforts in support or in recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement. The themes conveyed in these artistic works address the history of racism and injustice toward people of color in the United States and typically express sentiments of anger and fear as well as solace and hope.

Norma Ruth Wendelburg was an American composer, Fulbright scholar, pianist and teacher.

References

  1. 1 2 Goldberg, Daniel (December 11, 2019). "Creating a Space for Empathy: Composer Joel Thompson speaks about Seven Last Words of the Unarmed". WFMT. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  2. ↑ Grimes, Ryan (April 26, 2016). "UM Men's Glee Club remembers lives lost with "Seven Last Words of the Unarmed"". Michigan Radio. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 "Ode to Understanding". Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Noteworthy: A Reminder that "Art Should Not Always Be Comfortable" | Chorus America". www.chorusamerica.org. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Shirin Barghi". Shirin Barghi. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  6. ↑ Hawkins, Sydney (April 19, 2016). "Social justice + music: 'Seven Last Words of the Unarmed' premieres at U-M". Michigan News. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  7. 1 2 "'Seven Last Words of the Unarmed' project adds educational resources | U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance". University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Noteworthy: A Reminder that "Art Should Not Always Be Comfortable" | Chorus America". www.chorusamerica.org. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Review: Chicago Sinfonietta: In 'Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,' a sobering, potent tribute to Dr. King". Opus 3 Artists. January 21, 2020. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  10. ↑ Kogan, Judith (January 16, 2017). "Undeniable Power: 'Seven Last Words' Of Unarmed Men". WGBH. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
  11. ↑ "SFGMC Presents "Bridges" - Thursday, March 29, 2018". SFGMC. February 14, 2018. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Social justice music project debuted at U-M back in national spotlight amid protests". June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Hear Me Out: "Seven Last Words of the Unarmed" | Hear Me Out". Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Recommended Streaming from the Interwebs". Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.