Okpebholo: Songs in Flight
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- Composer: Shawn Okpebholo (1981-)
- Format: Vocal Score
- Instrumentation: Piano, Soprano, Baritone, Countertenor
- Work: Songs in Flight (2022)
- Binding: Spiral Bound
- Work Language: English
- Size: 8.9 x 12.0 inches
Description
Songs in Flight is a twelve-movement song cycle for soprano, countertenor, baritone, and piano, inspired by Freedom on the Move—a vast Cornell University archive of over 30,000 newspaper ads seeking to recapture self-emancipated individuals. These haunting historical documents often described enslaved people in heartbreaking detail, reducing them to property while inadvertently preserving their humanity. Curated by Tsitsi Ella Jaji, the text setting includes her own poetry, haiku sequences by Crystal Simone Smith, and a powerful poem by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tyehimba Jess. The music, while cohesive in structure and motif, reflects the poets' varied voices—offering historical narrative, contemporary insight, and personal reflection. As noted by The New York Times, the work "illuminates… the person hidden in plain sight." Songs in Flight was commissioned by Sparks & Wiry Cries and The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
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Paperback
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Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
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Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Okpebholo: Songs in Flight
