Go Down Moses

Six parts of close harmony are reflected in the piano accompaniment. The vocal parts are sometimes reduced to just 2 parts to make this expressive piece easier to master by a slightly above-average chorale. Based on the Old Testament story of the "Flight From Egypt" this arrangement is appropriate for Christian or Jewish worship or general concert use. The pathos of the words is echoed in the minor mode, even the mood of the piece. The drama of the final ending makes it perfect to close the concert's first half, as it leaves the audience waiting eagerly to see what the 2nd half will offer.