{"product_id":"okpebholo-city-of-big-shoulders-yellow-einstein-press","title":"Okpebholo: City of Big Shoulders","description":"\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComposer\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003ca href=\"\/es\/collections\/shawn-okpebholo\"\u003eShawn Okpebholo (1981-)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full Score\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong class=\"original-instrumentation-title\"\u003eInstrumentation\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan class=\"original-instrumentation\"\u003eMixed Ensemble\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWork\u003c\/strong\u003e: City of Big Shoulders (2026) (1(picc).1(ca).1(bcl).asax(barsax).0—1.0.0.0—2perc—hp.pf—1.1.1.1.0str)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli class=\"binding hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinding\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli class=\"book-pages hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages\u003c\/strong\u003e: None\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"one-half columns\"\u003e \u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"feature_divider\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommissioned by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition and premiered by the Grossman Ensemble under conductor Luke Poeppel, City of Big Shoulders is a dynamic musical portrait inspired by Carl Sandburg's iconic poem. Scored for a versatile fourteen-piece mixed ensemble, the work captures both the physical power and the resilient inner life of Chicago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe piece traces a vivid narrative arc, evolving from a propulsive, post-minimalist awakening into the kinetic, colliding rhythms of the city's bustling streets. As the density thins, the music reveals its spiritual core: a lyrical chorale rooted in Black gospel hymnody. Paying homage to the legacy of the Great Migration and the communities of Chicago's South Side, this hymn-like section reflects the breathtaking view of the skyline from the South Shore, transforming historical struggle into a radiant expression of faith, agency, and possibility. Dedicated to the composer's friend and colleague Johann Buis, the work beautifully weaves together memory and momentum, honoring the people who carry the city forward.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Yellow Einstein Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45982467293263,"sku":"YEP1065","price":87.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1828\/files\/b972e0630c08cabfeee4e6c0bd81d05b.png?v=1782743517","url":"https:\/\/www.ficksmusic.com\/es\/products\/okpebholo-city-of-big-shoulders-yellow-einstein-press","provider":"Ficks Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}