Deep River

The opening's atmospheric and mysterious tone suggests a quiet mist over tranquil water, reflecting the trail of slaves through the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia, escaping captivity. The chorus is used here as tonal color while the organ moves slowly beneath as a winding, rippling river. As this ends, the music breaks into a faster motive utilizing an underlying mixed meter. With the words "Oh don't you want to go," the phrases become shorter and more urgent. As the chorus proclaims "That promised land...," the work comes to an animated climax. Participation by the audience or congregation towards the end, with the traditional and well-known melody only adds to the satisfaction of the work.