The Bronze Legacy Damien Geter
Baritone and Mixed Chamber Ensemble
Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
Riccardo Muti, Music Director
Program Note:
Effie Lee Newsom (1885-1979) was a poet of the Harlem Renaissance whose primary audience was children. In fact, her poem The Bronze Legacy leads with the line, “To a brown boy,” which suggests that it was written for a child (of any gender) with the intent to uplift and inspire. Its theme centers around the power of Black pride, and the mighty strength and beauty of Black people which she compares to some of the grandest images in nature. Although not specifically written in a jazz style, the ensemble evokes a mood that is reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance.
Text: The Bronze Legacy by
Effie Lee Newsom
’Tis a noble gift to be brown, all brown, Like the strongest things that make up this earth, Like the mountains grave and grand, Even like the very land, Even like the trunks of trees— Even oaks, to be like these! God builds His strength in bronze.
To be brown like thrush and lark! Like the subtle wren so dark! Nay, the king of beasts wears brown; Eagles are of this same hue. I thank God, then, I am brown. Brown has mighty things to do.
Instrumentation
Baritone Solo
Flute
Piano
Contrabass
Percussion (1 player)
Suspended Cymbal
