Gentry Publications JG – 2293

SATB accompanied, poetry by Langston Hughes. This work by Rosephanye Powell features the words of Langston Hughes that inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an anthem for all those who believe in human rights, in peace and hope for a better tomorrow. Powerful! –Hal Leonard

Now available with orchestral or band accompaniment!  

NOTES from the Composer:
I Dream A World is a setting of the poem “To You” by Harlem Renaissance jazz poet, playwright and social activist Langston Hughes (1902-1967).  In this song, the composer depicts musically Mr. Hughes’s juxtaposition of the world that is and the world that could be.  The world of which Langston Hughes dreams is characterized by joy, peace and freedom; yet, the one in which he lives is full of the “wretchedness” of racial prejudice and avarice.  The composer begins the work with a joyful piano introduction that represents the “dream” theme.  This is followed by a choral introduction in which the women, echoed by the men, sound the first hearing of “I Dream A World”.  The beginning of the song is, for Hughes, a pleasant dream, in which “our world” is one where love, joy and freedom rule.  However, as the song develops, the dream becomes dark, representing the present state of being.  This is heard in a shift from consonant chords to the use of dissonance in the piano, as well as rhythmic agitation in both the vocal and piano parts. As Hughes’ dream develops further, the poet chooses to believe that “joy, like a pearl” will one day “attend the needs of all mankind”.  Because of this, he will continue to dream for a better world, heard in the passionately repeated phrase “I Dream” near the end of the song.  I Dream A World ends with a final climactic statement of “our world,” followed by two accented and strident piano chords which depict the poet startled awake–only now aware that he has been dreaming.  The pianist should be carefule not to rush the triplets in measure 70.  Additionally, really take the time to set up and sink in to the keys for the final two strident chords in measure 71.