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Choral Review
Choral Review

sheet entrance in measure 271 to represent the “storm” T. Shaw, “Culturally Responsive, Relevant, and Sustain-
that must be “weathered.” ing Pedagogies: An Introduction to Seminal Contribu-
Dilworth takes his time building this section, care- tions and Selected Empirical Studies in Choral Singing,”
fully crafting harmonies to create a sense of stability in Choral Journal 63, no. 3 (2022): 51–60.
the key and chord choices before adapting the instru- 2 The editor would like to note that the composer was consult-
mentation to be reflective of the opening twenty-seven ed on the final draft of this article.
bars of the piece, once again making the music and 3 Claudia Rankine, “Weather.” The New York Times (June 15,
movement cyclical. The ending is grand, full of fanfare 2020), https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/15/books/
and pride, an appropriate finale to the story. Built off review/claudia-rankine-weather-poem-coronavirus.html.
a triumphant C Major chord, the final moments are 4 Rollo Dilworth, Weather, Composer’s Notes (2021): 1–8.
hopeful and resolved. 5 “Weather,” Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online.
6 Rollo Dilworth, Weather.
7 Rollo Dilworth, Weather.
Conclusion 8 Rollo Dilworth, Weather.
Rollo Dilworth’s Weather, with text from Claudia
Rankine’s poem of the same title, is a powerful compo-
sition that reflects, honors, and expands on the African
American experience during the height of 2020. Dil-
worth writes in several different styles throughout the
piece, each one adding musical and contextual symbol-
ism. He draws inspiration from gospel, blues, spirituals,
and classical traditions to support powerful and mov-
ing text, adding atmosphere and auditory symbolism
to this work.
By connecting to the style, melodies, and rhythms
of music, listeners can connect with Rankine’s text
on a deeper level. Dilworth creates incredible settings
that are full of imagery and allusion and has provid-
ed space for the listener to connect with the African
American experience of 2020, regardless of their pri-
or knowledge or background on the broader context.
With more culturally relevant pieces like Weather, social
movements can propel forward into new communities
and truly connect us as one people through the power
of music.

Sarah Campbell is a music education student at
Penn State University and a member of the Schreyers
Honor College. sclillian77@gmail.com

NOTES

1 Constance L. McKoy, “Culturally Responsive Teaching:
What It Is and Why It’s Important in Music Educa-
tion,” Southwestern Musician (2021): 22–25. See also: Julia

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