African Plain Songs [SCORE] by Black, Arnold - 1976

New York: Self-Published, 1976. Assumed First Edition . Soft cover. Good Plus. 9.5" X 13. A charmingly witty cycle for SATB soloists and piano. Violinist-composer Arnold Black (1923-2000) composed his "African Plain Songs" in 1976, setting his own texts for "The Ant and the Sloth" (duet for sloth and ant); "The Sloth's Last Barcarolle" (sloth solo); "Serenade" (about two rhinoceri); "Speedy" (cheetah solo); "The Gentle Giraffe" (giraffe solo); "We're Animal Too" (snakes duet); "The Ant and the Sloth" (reprise); An Average Everyday Elephant" (elephant solo); "The Camel's Lament" (camel solo); "A Swinging Monkey" (monkey solo); Finale: "Zoological Apotheosis" (SATB chorus). A truly delightful cycle for children as well as adults. 36 pages. CONDITION: The Very Good Minus score is clean and clear, with minimal shelf-wear, marked in pencil (apparently by the composer) with some clarifications and revisions, the pages age-tanned (typical of scores printed with the Ozalid process). Its loose folio cover is in Good condition, with noticeable edge- and corner-wear, the outer edges and spine tape-reinforced. This rare item is now nestled in a clear, protective polypropylene bag with archival backing board.