b. 1923d. 2017
Mari Evans
Mari Evans' poetry was set to music by David Baker in Baker's song cycle The Black Experience. One of her poems is also included in Hugo Weisgall's song cycle Translations: Seven Songs for Voice and Piano.
Listen
“A Good Assassination Should Be Quiet” (from “The Black Experience”)
Albert Lee, tenor; Kathryn Goodson, piano3:27
“Early in the Mornin'” (from “The Black Experience”)
Albert Lee, tenor; Kathryn Goodson, piano5:35
“I Who Would Encompass Millions” (from “The Black Experience”)
Albert Lee, tenor; Kathryn Goodson, piano0:42
“Status Symbol” (from “The Black Experience”)
Louise Toppin, soprano; Kathryn Goodson, piano3:07
“The Alarm Clock” (from “The Black Experience”)
Louise Toppin, soprano; Kathryn Goodson, piano2:02
“The Alarm Clock” (from “The Black Experience”)
Samantha Rose Williams, mezzo-soprano; Sara Chiesa, piano1:57
“The Insurgent” (from “The Black Experience”)
Albert Lee, tenor; Kathryn Goodson, piano3:36
“The Rebel” (from “The Black Experience”)
Louise Toppin, soprano; Kathryn Goodson, piano0:51
About
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Mari Evans attended the University of Toledo. She went on to teach at several universities, including Indiana University-Purdue, Spelmen College, Cornell University and Indiana University (Bloomington).
Her poetry celebrated her African American heritage. She received several prestigious fellowships and, in addition to publishing several volumes of poetry, Evans was also a playwright and author of children’s books.
–Christie Finn
Source: the entry for Mari Evans on the Poets.org website
Related Information
University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, & Dance
smtd.umich.edu/black-american-composer-anthologyPoets.org
poets.org/poetsorg/poet/mari-evansIndy Star
indystar.com/story/news/2017/03/20/remembering-mari-evans-intense-unblinking-life/99203978Poetry Foundation
poetryfoundation.org/poets/mari-evansSongs
A Good Assassination Should Be Quiet1970 · The Black ExperienceDavid N. BakerMari EvansEarly in the Mornin’1970 · The Black ExperienceDavid N. BakerMari EvansIf There Be Sorrow1986 · Through This Vale of TearsDavid N. BakerMari EvansStatus Symbol1970 · The Black ExperienceDavid N. BakerMari EvansThe Black Experience1973David N. BakerMari EvansThrough This Vale of TearsDavid N. BakerMari Evans
