Synopses & Reviews
30 musical arrangements by noted African-American tenor recall Biblical events in such well known tunes as "Deep River," "Dry Bones," "You’re Tired, Chile," "Steal Away," "Good News," "Sister Mary Had-a But One Child," "The Last Supper," and "Were You There?" Perceptively written introduction to each song includes background history. Rich collection will appeal to lovers of great spirituals and the rich legacy of African-American song.
Synopsis
Thirty musical arrangements by noted African-American tenor recall biblical events in such well-known tunes as Deep River, Dry Bones, Steal Away, and Were You There? Perceptively written introduction to each song includes background history. Rich collection will appeal to lovers of great spirituals and the rich legacy of African-American song.
Synopsis
As well known in his day as his contemporary Paul Robeson, the African-American tenor Roland Hayes thrilled audience throughout the United States and Europe with his interpretations of songs he first heard at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Gordon County, Georgia. As a student at Fisk University, Hayes performed with the institution's celebrated Jubilee Singers, a choral group that introduced listeners around the world to the glories of gospel music.
Thirty of Hayes' arrangements, described by The New York Times as simple and tasteful, are assembled here in a collection of beloved spirituals set comfortably for medium voice, with piano accompaniments of only moderate difficulty. Divided into three sections, the music interprets a series of biblical events -- the first concerning the Old Testament and featuring such well-known tunes as Deep River and Dry Bones; the second part comprises songs based on teachings from the Old and New Testament, including You're Tired, Chile, I'm Troubled, Steal Away, and Good News. The final section focuses on songs celebrating the life of Christ: Sister Mary Had-a But One Child, Hear de Lambs a-Cryin'?, The Last Supper, Were You There?, and others.
In addition to an introductory chapter, the author has also provided perceptively written notes to each song, which either reconstructs the spirit of the melody or provides some background history. A rich and informative collection, this volume will appeal to lovers of great spirituals and anyone who delights in the rich legacy of African-American music.
Table of Contents
Forward
My Songs
Panel One
EVENTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
I I'll Make Me a Man
II Let My People Go!
III Deep River
IV Ezekiel Saw de Wheel
V Lit'l David Play on Your Harp
VI Dry Bones
VII "Give-a Way, Jordan"
VIII Two Wings
IX Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?
X A Witness
Panel Two
ABSTRACTIONS FROM THE TEACHINGS OF BOTH OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
I "You're Tired, Chile"
II In-a-Dat Mornin'
III Plenty Good Room
IV I'm Troubled
V Heaven
VI Steal Away
VII Po' Pilgrim
VIII Good News
IX You Mus' Come in By an' Thro' de Lamb
X Roun' About de Mountain
Panel Three
THE LIFE OF CHRIST
I Prepare Me One Body
"Christ's Birth, Boyhood and Ministry"
II Sister Mary Had-a But One Child
III Lit'l Boy
IV Live a-Humble
V Hear de Lambs a-Cryin'?
The Passion of Our Lord
VI The Last Supper
VII They Led My Lord Away
VIII He Never Said a Mumberlin' Word
IX Did You Hear When Jesus Rose?
X Were You There?