Rosephanye Powell

Quiet Revolutionary

Rosephanye Powell's SSAA setting, Quiet Revolutionary, is a six-minute set of three pieces honoring Dr. Eileen Southern, pioneering author of The Music of Black Americans: A History. Powell writes, I sought to depict Dr. Southern's delicate state of bliss through jazz harmonies, sparse accompaniment, and simplicity of form, lyrics, dynamics, melody, and rhythms. The piano introduction reflects Dr. Southern quietly at work, lost in thought. This poignant tribute to a groundbreaking Black female scholar is ideal for high school, collegiate, and community soprano-alto ensembles.