Press release -
Oxford University Press publishes significant choral music anthology exclusively by Black composers
Oxford University Press (OUP) publishes one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of choral music by Black composers, ranging from the sixteenth century to the present day. In showcasing music from notable Black composers The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers – edited by established conductor, educator, and composer Marques L. A. Garrett – aims to address a historical lack of representation of Black musicians and composers in the choral canon.
The collection, published on 2nd February during OUP Music’s Centenary year, includes music by historical composers such as Vicente Lusitano, Florence Price and Nathaniel Dett, as well as living composers including Zanaida Robles, B. E. Boykin, and Robert A. Harris, showcasing the talents of choral music today. Music from the anthology has been recorded by London Voices, conducted by Shivani Rattan and produced by Ken Burton, and is available across all major streaming platforms from 16 January 2023.
Speaking about the publication, Marques L.A Garrett, Editor, said:“The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers is a product of my research into the original, non-idiomatic choral music of Black composers. Through publishing this anthology with Oxford University Press, we are raising the profile of composers who have added great value to the choral repertoire but who have previously been and continue to be underrepresented. It is my hope that the collection will be a great resource for classes, conductors, teachers, and choirs everywhere, and a source of inspiration for those in underrepresented communities looking to pursue their passions.”
Speaking about the publication, Rachel Lindley, Director of the Music Department at Oxford University Press, said: “We are thrilled to have worked with Marques L. A. Garrett on The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers and be able to showcase this wonderful music through its publication. It’s so important that we contribute to a more diverse and inclusive publishing landscape and while we have much progress to make, we see this collection as a positive step in the right direction, making this great music easily accessible to choirs the world over.”
ENDS
The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers, edited by Marques L.A. Garrett, will publish on 02 February, priced £20.95 / $28.75 (Paperback) or £25.95 / $32.75 (Spiralbound). If you would like to request a copy of the book for review in your publication, please contact claire.watters@oup.com.
Browse a sample score here: https://www.yumpu.com/kiosk/OxfordMusic/the-oxford-book-of-choral-music-by-black-composers/67411980
Notes to editors
*A note on ‘non-idiomatic choral music’: Dr. Garrett’s research focuses on the non-idiomatic choral music of Black composers. He writes, “Non-idiomatic, as it relates to Black composers, refers to the original concert music that is not part of the traditional idiomatic canon associated with Black musicians. That canon includes spirituals, gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and rap among others.” While some of the pieces in the collection may be influenced by these idiomatic genres, they are all original compositions rooted in the classical choral tradition.
Video: The Oxford Book of Choral Music by Black Composers
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Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. OUP is the world's largest university press with the widest global presence.
It currently publishes thousands of new publications a year, has offices in around fifty countries, and employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide.
It has become familiar to millions through a diverse publishing program that includes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, children's books, materials for teaching English as a foreign language, business books, dictionaries and reference books, and academic journals.
Dr Marques L.A. Garrett
Marques L. A. Garrett is an established conductor, educator, and composer whose works have been performed to acclaim by high school all-state, collegiate, and professional choirs, including Seraphic Fire and the Aeolians of Oakwood University. Awarded a PhD in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from Florida State University, Dr Garrett is an Assistant Professor of Music in Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also serves as artistic director and conductor of the Omaha Symphonic Chorus and as founding artistic director and conductor of the Nebraska Festival Singers.
