Frederick: Cantata on the Life of Frederick Douglas

Inspired by Nkeiru Okoye’s song cycle “Songs of Harriet Tubman”, Story’s work directly quotes Douglass. Using speeches, newspaper articles, and sections from his autobiography, this massive work portrays Douglass’ life story, with specific sections discussing slavery, freedom, truth, liberty, humanity, emancipation, and education. In nine movements, this work takes the listener on a historical journey through the early life of Frederick Douglass, the most important leader of the Black civil rights in the 19th century.