Reviewed by Steven Whitehead Where to start? This is an incredible musical experience, reminding this reviewer of the wonderful settings of the poetry of William Blake by William Bolcom or the rousing arrangements made by Joanna MacGregor or the street music of New York's Moondog. But to begin at the beginning. On 1st December 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white bus passenger. This incident led to the formation of the Montgomery Improvement Association, led by a young pastor, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. The association called for a boycott of the city-owned bus company and brought Mrs Parks, Dr King, and their cause to the attention of the world. A Supreme Court Decision struck down the Montgomery ordinance under which Mrs Parks had been fined, and outlawed racial segregation on public transportation. After a long and active life Mrs Parks died in 2005 and this piece by Hannibal Lokumbe is an inspiring tribute to her. 'Dear Mrs. Parks' is an hour-long oratorio for which Lokumbe wrote both words and music. The work uses a massive ensemble of full orchestra - on this recording the Detroit Symphony - plus a large choir - The Rackham Symphony Choir and the Brazeal Dennard Chorale - and four vocal soloists: Janice Chandler-Eteme (soprano), Jevetta Steele (mezzo-soprano), Kevin Deas (bass), and Taylor Gardner (child soprano). The composer dips into a variety of African-American genres, including blues, jazz, and gospel and also looks back to Africa with some drum patterns of which Steve Reich would be proud. Once the music reaches lift-off it is an exhilarating ride with some splendid solo singing. This reviewer found the choral sections a little stodgy in places but would love to hear it live or even, dream on, sing in it himself. I know it is unlikely but I would love to hear this as a Prom one day.
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