The view of one’s life’s work has taken on different meanings in societies and eras across the world. From servant and slavery systems of old, to the industrial revolution, to labor unions and the gig economy, our idea of work is ever-changing.
As in all aspects of our culture, music has been a part of work every step of the way. Today, both the advent of remote-work and the emerging question of universal basic income are creating new paradigms and discussions about the meaning of work. This Labor Day, join Cantus for I Hear America Singing, a joyful examination of the role work has played in our lives in years past and how work might evolve into the future.
Playlist
Traditional: “Simple Gifts”
Marge Piercy: “To Be of Use”
Melissa Dunphy: “Work”
Jennifer Lucy Cook: “Time”
Kenji Miyazawa: “Be Not Defeated by the Rain”
Traditional (arr. Yudelkis LaFuente): “Song to Yemaya”
Traditiona (arr. Osamu Shimizu): “Mogami River Boat Song”
Stacey Gibbs: “Ain't Got Time to Die”
Traditional (arr. Robert de Cormier): “Rainbow Round My Shoulder”
Traditional (arr. Chris Foss): “We Shall Not Be Moved”
Traditional (arr. Jeffrey L. Ames): “Tshotsholoza” (“Go Forward”)
Ralph Carmichael: “A Quiet Place”
Chris Foss: “I Hear America Singing”
Natasha Bedingfield: “Unwritten”
Dolly Parton: “9 to 5”
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