Work

Programme Note

This short spiritual sets a traditional text from the Afro-American gospel/spiritual tradition. The words refer to a number of Old Testament characters who made a strong stand (or ‘witness’) for God. Melodically and harmonically it aims to reflect the style of music normally associated with this type of music. The scoring is for SSAB voices with piano, the vocal division reflecting the vocal balance in many school choirs. With some minor modifications the piece could also be performed as SATB with tenors taking the alto line and the altos taking the 2nd soprano line.

Text Note:

Traditional Afro-American spiritual text

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Influences:

• Religious