No Ordinary Woman!
by Gwyneth W. Walker
Soprano Voice - Sheet Music

Soprano voice, piano or string orchestra (Strings: 5-5-3-3-3) - Late Intermediate

SKU: EC.5728

Composed by Gwyneth W. Walker. Vocal Anthology/Vocal Solo. Secular, African American Heritage. Vocal score. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #5728. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.5728).

ISBN 600313457289. UPC: 600313457289. English. Text: Lucille Clifton.

No Ordinary Woman is a song cycle for soprano and piano. Commissioned by soprano, Denise Walker, and pianist, Estrid Eklof, for premiere at Brown University, Providence, RI in December 1997. The songs were composed at the composer's home in Vermont during the summer of 1997.

These songs might have been subtitled "Songs of Self Reflection," for they present the poet musing about her own life, and specifically her physical appearance. One imagines the poet looking in the mirror with amusement, horror, and a strong sense of her own history. Thus, the songs range from an energetic first impression ("Bones, Be Good!") to philosophical reflection ("Turning") to humor and pride in the body itself ("Homage to my Hips/Hair") to a more serious summation ("The Thirty-Eighth Year"). A strong and colorful woman emerges.

Contents:
Bones, Be Good!
Turning
Homage to my Hips
Homage to my Hair
The Thirty-Eighth Year.