Elijah (a.k.a. Juniper Tree)

1948

After the completion of her Zodiac Suite Mary Lou Williams was keeping her mind open to other challenges. When in 1948 she was asked to compose a new piece for a 60-voice choir, she collaborated with composer Milton Orent on “Elijah,” a spiritual with modern harmonies.

Elijah” is an important piece in Williams’ oeuvre as it is an early precedent of her music for choir, and – although not a piece of sacred music per se – an early example of her interest in religious myths and writings. For the first time, this unrecorded piece is now available to the public.

Contents:

• Foreword (incl. reproductions of the original manuscripts), 5 p.

• Full score, 13 p.

• Sources, Editorial Notes, Bibliography, Discography, 1 p.