I Have a Dream (oratorio) facts for kids
I Have a Dream is a special kind of musical story called an oratorio. It was written by a composer named James Furman. He wrote it to honor his good friend, Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a very important leader. The name of the music comes from King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He gave this speech in Washington, D.C. during a big march for civil rights in August 1963. The words used in the music, called the libretto, are based on things King said and wrote.
Furman wanted I Have a Dream to be like a symphony. It tells a story about important ideas in the world today. These ideas include human dignity, love, hate, the sadness of war, peace, beauty, poverty, and the hope for true freedom. The composer explained that different groups in the music speak as individuals and also together.
The music has three main parts. It uses many different styles, from jungle rhythms to modern serial music and rock music. In the first part, you can hear Igbo phrases chanted. Igbo is a language from West Africa. These phrases are also mixed with English words at the very end of the third part. The most exciting part of the third section blends hymns, spirituals (African-American religious songs), and patriotic songs. Even with all these different sounds, the composer wanted the music to feel simple and innocent, like a child's song.
The Story Behind the Music
I Have a Dream was asked for by the Greenwich Choral Society in 1970. They wanted it to celebrate their 45th anniversary. The very first time this music was performed was in Greenwich, Connecticut, on April 19, 1970. The Greenwich Choral Society performed it, and James Furman himself conducted. The second performance happened later in 1970. It was at Lincoln Center in New York City. The Symphony of the New World played, led by Benjamin Steinberg.
After these first performances, Furman changed the music quite a bit. The new and improved version was first played on January 22 and 23, 1971. This was also the composer's birthday! The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performed it in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sadly, neither version of the music was ever officially published. James Furman passed away in 1989. In his will, he said that the 1971 music score and parts should go to Morgan State University. A small group of Furman's former students have been trying to find the music. They hope to have it performed again, but they haven't found it yet.
Parts of the Music (Revised Version)
The revised version of I Have a Dream has three main sections.
1. "The River of Life"
This part begins with instruments, especially drums. It sounds like an African procession. Then, a baritone soloist (a male singer with a deep voice) and a chorus (a group of singers) join in. It ends with an Igbo phrase: "Makanjo amemeliezindu. Aa-ya." This means "Evil shall not overcome good. Amen." The music slowly gets louder, ending with a big, loud yell.
2. "I've Been to the Mountain Top"
This section is like a speech, sung very slowly in a largo tempo (a slow speed). It feels like a church meeting or a revival. You can hear parts of several well-known hymns and a hymn called "I Have a Dream."
3. "Let Freedom Ring"
This is a multi-part section with lots of different sounds. It features gospel piano, guitar, and banjo. The gospel chorus plays tambourines. Then comes the "Poor People's March," introduced by the orchestra and a rock band. This section uses both words and music to create meaning. The orchestra plays "America the Beautiful." The gospel chorus sings the beginning of "America." At one point, a solo violin plays a square dance tune. The very last part is called "Free at Last!" It mixes gospel music, the full orchestra, and musical ideas from the opening African-themed section. It also combines Igbo words with English. A celesta (an instrument like a small piano with a bell-like sound) plays the final words, "We are free at last!" The music ends with orchestral bells and soft, plucked violins.
