In 2017 composer Tyshawn Sorey teamed up with writer Terrance Hayes and tenor Lawrence Brownlee to create a song cycle called "Cycles of My Being". It's a work that showcases the troubled relationship between America and its Black men that will have its digital premiere on the Opera Philadelphia Channel on November 20th. Tyshawn speaks with Garrett about this, and his broader perspective on writing Black-centric music. Scott honors the space-age music of another Black composer, and Garrett teases a move away from Minnesota.

Playlist:

Deniece Williams - "Let's Here It For The Boy"

Blue Ivy Carter - "Lift Ev'ry Voice" ("Homecoming" excerpt)

Johann Strauss - "Thunder and Lightning" Polka

William Grant Still - "Ennanga"

Antonin Dvorak - String Quartet No. 12, "The Negro"

M. Piečaitis - Catcerto (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmLuEkpij5E)

Ozie Cargile - "Creation of the Universe"

Fannie Lou Hamer - "Walk With Me"

Margaret Bonds - "Montgomery Variations"

Tyshawn Sorey - "Cycles of My Being"

More:

Malcolm X's "By Any Means Necessary": https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/1964-malcolm-x-s-speech-founding-rally-organization-afro-american-unity/

Blue Ivy narrates "Hair Love": https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9481053/blue-ivy-carter-hair-love-audiobook

Ann Hobson Pilot: http://www.annhobsonpilot.com/

Austria COVID Lockdowns: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54945400