Nigra Sum Sed Formosa - Fantasia on Microaggressions

Jonathan Woody

Piece Duration: 5:55

About this Piece

Program Note: "Jonathan Woody sets several racist microaggressions to music in a madrigal type style, alongside the latin chant from Song of Songs (c. 971-931 BC) 'Nigra sum sed formosa' - 'I am black, but beautiful.'"

Definition: Microaggression (noun) - "A comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude, toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority)" - Merriam-Webster

Cadences: (See Notable Passages below)
-1:11 (Quick Minor Cadence)
-2:39-2:53 (Extended V7-i)
-3:35-3:43 (iv-Major I)
-5:40-5:55 (V-I)

Notable Passages

Listen

Time Stamp: 0:00 — 0:30
Description:

The first 30 seconds feature unison chant!

Keywords: Unison

Listen

Time Stamp: 1:11 — 1:15
Description:

Cadence 1: Quick Minor Cadence

Keywords: Cadence

Listen

Time Stamp: 2:39 — 2:53
Description:

Cadence 2: Extended V7-i

Keywords: Cadence

Listen

Time Stamp: 3:35 — 3:43
Description:

Cadence 3: iv-Major I

Keywords: Cadence

Listen

Time Stamp: 5:40 — 5:55
Description:

Cadence 4: V-I

Keywords: Cadence

Listen

Time Stamp: 3:47
Description:

Several microaggressions are heard in a polyphonic style! The last entrance we hear is the chant "Nigra sum sed formosa."

Keywords: Polyphony

Keywords Featured in this Piece