This album was recorded at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, from May 17-19, 2021, with recording services provided by Soundmirror, Boston.
Performer Biography
The Missouri State University Chorale, the flagship choral ensemble at Missouri State University, has performed at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and toured internationally.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The work "Easter, 1906" is intended as a cautionary reminder of the profound evil that can arise from unchecked racism and mob violence.
Composer Biography
Robert Bode, the librettist for "Easter, 1906," is a noted teacher, award-winning conductor, and prize-winning poet, with his first volume of lyric poetry, "Crickets and Commas," published by GIA Publications.
Historical Context
Lynchings were widely practiced in the United States, particularly in southern states, with 4,743 recorded between 1881 and 1968, and 3,446 of the victims being African Americans.
Composition History
Composer William Averitt and librettist Robert Bode created "Easter, 1906" based on the true story of the lynching of three innocent Black men in Springfield, Missouri, over Easter weekend in 1906.
Compositional Technique
The work "Easter, 1906" is set for double choir, soloists, spoken narration, piano four-hands, and two percussionists.
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