Mother to Son

Based on the powerful poem by Langston Hughes, Walker's setting fits the free verse and vernacular style, mimicking the patterns of speech and the diction of conversation. The mother, who speaks throughout, is a strong woman who has persevered and is still climbing, still surviving. "Well, son, I'll tell you, Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." Expressive two-part treble writing throughout, with an interesting yet supportive piano accompaniment.