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Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work by the Northwestern State University Lyric Women's Chorus, Patrick Dill, conductor.
Download a PDF file of the choral score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
From Dusk to Dawn tells the story of the Liberian women protesting the civil war which engulfed their country until 2003. Led by Leymah Gbowee (Winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize), the women prayed, marched, sang and resolutely waited for peace. Their "uniforms" were white T-shirts.
At times, the women doubted their strength. But, with hands joined together, they became peace mothers. Ultimately, they proclaimed, "Mighty be our powers!"
The musical language for this choral setting is rhythmic, energetic and powerful. The voices sing, "Gather, gather," in repeated 8th notes, as the calls for protest gain in strength. Tremolo chords in the accompaniment bring increased energy. The final section is emphatic, with accented chords in the voices and piano to express "Mighty women!"
Notes by the composer