Okoye, Nkeiru: Breaking Bread

The African American Spiritual “Let Us Break Bread Together” has a fascinating history ranging from use by enslaved Africans to call secret meetings, to modern usage as a Communion hymn, and words with ancient reference to prayer facing East. Okoye’s BREAKING BREAD is both thrilling and declamatory, inspired by Bach’s contrapuntal works for solo violin, while building into a powerful full statement of the Spiritual tune. This work was originally composed for solo viola, and the composer later transcribed it for solo violin and solo cello (each available separately).