Spirituals and Gospel Choral Music

A common theme among spirituals is "the great judgment day" and the idea of hope for a better future. Incorporating quotes from Great Day as well as original verses with a stylish gospel piano

Capturing the importance of the Eloise Greenfield poem and the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman's life, this original work also includes the spirituals If I Got My Ticket and Go

This arrangement takes a virtuosic Georgian style of gospel singing as its inspiration, which means the melody is incorporated into an improvisatory-style vocal line that is passed between voice parts.

Dedicated to the memory of Moses Hogan, this original gospel-style piece brings an abundance of fervor and joy to the stage. Quoting the traditional spiritual This Little Light of Mine, it builds

Building on the heritage of the great arrangements of Jester Hairston and Moses Hogan, Rollo Dilworth has created his own unique approach to the traditional spiritual. Through layering of motivic material

This stylized gospel arrangement of the traditional spiritual features a terrific layered bridge section with traditional gospel stacking. Rock-solid choral writing and a beautifully written piano part give

With a slow gospel groove, this accessible concert work sets the traditional Latin text with full, rich harmonies in a slow 6/8. The piano accompaniment supports the harmonic motion while adding to the

This energetic original contemporary gospel piece has a wonderful groove and an uplifting message of self-empowerment. Staccato and accented vocals, expressive dynamics, and a repetition section moving up

A welcome "big choral" setting of a classic spiritual, this unaccompanied setting has divisi in all parts, a touch of chromaticism that is totally in character, and plenty of variation in texture, tempo,

This upbeat swing arrangement of a popular American spiritual features your accompanist with a honky-tonk flavored piano part. The positive message is set with approachable and enjoyable choral parts and an

This traditional spiritual carries in its essence the longing for peace and rest. The bittersweet spirit is front and center in this arrangement enhanced by sensitive part writing, an optional solo, and a

The memorable gospel choir performance of Ben E. King's Stand By Me was a highlight of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Here is the exact arrangement performed at the

This traditional spiritual encourages us all to persevere even in times of challenge and adversity. Set in a gospel style with call and response and repeated refrains, this work builds to a climactic chorus

Inspired by the Joseph Jennings arrangement of this same tune for Chanticleer, this arrangement combines the five-syllable "halleluia" with the timeless melody of the old spiritual. A true gospel piano part

Here is a collection of three popular spirituals which can be performed separately or as a suite. Down to the River to Pray is a cappella with nice open harmonies typical of the Southern Harmony

This exciting new setting for SSA voices begins with Swing Low, Sweet Chariot followed by Deep River then Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. In the final section, it

Adapted from the gospel-style interpretation of the hymn His Eye Is on the Sparrow originally performed and recorded by the Georgia Mass Choir, this setting is an inspirational choice for gospel,

First written as the bright, opening movement of Heavenly Home: Three American Songs, this enduring gospel favorite is set with a straightforward first verse and chorus. The next two verses combine

Rollo Dilworth has combined this traditional freedom song - sung as an anthem of protest during the civil rights movement to spread the message of faith, determination and perseverance - with the words of

Here we have a fresh new take on this familiar African-American spiritual featuring contemporary jazz harmonies, added passing tones that bring passion and excitement, a small group descant, and a steady

Written as a celebration of singing for racial and social justice, this up-tempo setting is a terrific way for your choir to experience a gospel feel. This powerful work draws its text from the Langston

Composer and conductor, Ron Kean, went back to the roots of Spirituals, back to Africa, to create a setting of this much loved Spiritual in a style that is remarkably different.  Part of the larger