"Here I Stand" encapsulates the rich tapestry of music that defined Paul Robeson’s artistic legacy and rise to stardom.

 

From the spirituals and folk songs rooted in his personal life and church upbringing, to the powerful Russian and recital repertoire showcasing his linguistic prowess and emotional range, each piece is a testament to Robeson's unparalleled versatility and impact on the arts. The inclusion of works by Black composers highlights his dedication to elevating African American culture, while selections from movies, opera, oratorio, and musical theater reflect his broad appeal and influence across diverse genres.

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Personal Life, Family, and Church

• "There is a Balm in Gilead" - arr. by Mark Hayes for piano and string quartet

• "My Shepherd is the Lord", Opus 99 -- from Antonin Dvorak's Biblical Songs {Sung in Czech}

• "I Feel the Spirit Moving Medley" - arr. by Mark Hayes for piano and string quartet

Russia

• Gremin's aria from Eugeni Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky {Sung in Russian}

• "Song of the Volga Boatmen", Russian Folk Song {Sung in Russian and English}

• "Pjesne a blaxe" (Song of the Flea) - Modest Mussorgsky - arr. by Karen Hakobyan for piano and string quartet {Sung in Russian}

Recital Repertoire

• “In questa tomba” - poem by Giuseppe Carpani -- Ludwig van Beethoven

• “Erlkönig” by Schubert arr. by Karen Hakobyan for piano and string quartet (Sung in German)

• "Songs My Mother Taught Me", B. 104, Opus 55 - Antonin Dvorak {sung in Czech & English} Wds by Natalie MacFarren

• “Ballad for Americans” by Earl Robinson, Excerpts {In 76 the sky was red… old Uncle Sam was born}

Black Practitioners

• "Deep River" - arr. by Harry T. Burleigh

• "Go Down, Moses" arr. by J. Rosamond Johnson

• "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" –- arr. by J. Rosamond Johnson

• “I’m Go’n’ter Tell God All o’my Troubles” – Hall Johnson

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BRIEF INTERMISSION

 

Black Practitioners (continued)

• “John Henry” – Spiritual

• "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" - - arr. by Margaret Bonds

• "All God's Chillun Got Wings" - Traditional

• "Oh, Glory!" - arr. by Hall Johnson

• "Hold On" –- arr. by Margaret Bonds

Black Composers

Three Selections from "Songs of Separation" by William Grant Still

• "Idolatry" (poetry by Arna Bontemps)

• "Poéme" (poem, in French, by Philippe Thoby Marcelin)

• "Parted" (poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar)

Movies, Opera, Oratorio & Musical Theater

• "Herr, Gott Abrahams", Op. 70, MWV A 25 from Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn arr. by Karen Hakobyan for piano and string quartet {Sung in German and English} 

• "When Villains Ramble far and Near" from Trimonisha by Scott Joplin

• "Lawd Jesus, Heah my Prayer" from Emperor Jones by Louis Gruenberg

• "Ol' Man River" from Showboat by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern arr. by Karen Hakobyan for piano and string quartet

• "He's Got the Whole World in His Hand" - arr. by Stephen A. Taylor for string quartet (after Margaret Bonds)