Music of Gwyneth Walker

This is an old Quaker hymn dating back to the 1800s in the United States. References to the persecution of Friends may be heard in the lyrics, yet faith and courage prevail. This arrangement emphasizes the

Originally commissioned by the ACDA, Walker's setting of the E.E. Cummings poem has long been popular on the festival circuit for treble and mixed choirs. An additional voicing for tenor-bass choirs is now

The third in a set of three songs titled Love Was My Lord and King! based on the poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson. For TTBB chorus and chamber orchestra or piano. Commissioned by the Orpheus Male

A traditional memorial text with spiritual roots has been adapted by the composer in a setting that is simple and honest. With an unadorned melody set in a beautiful musical language with open, transparent

Based on Angels We Have Heard on High, this new arrangement opens with shepherds, represented in the music by tenor and baritone soli, hearing angel voices "o'er the mountains, guided by a Holy

This remarkable new arrangement for SATB chorus and piano focuses on the inherent drama of the text. Each verse expresses a different reaction to its question about the Crucifixion. The piano accompaniment,

A very poignant song. Phrases such as "Hush little baby, don't you cry, you know your mama was born to die," or "Oh my brothers, I must leave you here behind," view the approach of death in terms of those

This anthem is based on the traditional hymn, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, with music and lyrics adapted by the composer. Interspersed with the preexisting material are short phrases, musical

Steal Away interprets the traditional spiritual Steal Away to Jesus as a song of alternating sorrow and strength. The refrains are presented quietly and mournfully: "Steal away to Jesus. I

Utilizing the traditional African American tune, this artistic setting focuses on two central images: breaking bread together in communion and fellowship, and falling on one's knees in prayer. Both images

This second movement of Two Suffrage Songs is based on the spiritual Sit Down, Sister! The upbeat nature of the music reflects the energy and motivation of the strong women

The most percussive of the set, this "can't wait to do this" piece features schoolyard-style partnered handclap patterns for singers in pairs. That's in addition to finger snaps, and cymbal, brush, and

This sensitive, prayerful, and approachable setting of text from the Psalms and Whitter's Divine Compassion contains reflective moments that give way to grandness while bringing forward the message

An assuring text from master poet Sara Teasdale, its central theme is that one can take refuge in singing. Ever sensitive to the text, Walker crafts word painting throughout with shimmering piano

Based on the powerful poem by Langston Hughes, Walker's setting fits the free verse and vernacular style, mimicking the patterns of speech and the diction of conversation. The mother, who speaks throughout,

The text for this anthem is based on the poem Lo, the Earth is Risen Again by Samuel Longfellow (1819-1892). The lyrics announce the return of Spring and the celebration the spiritual rebirth

From Dusk to Dawn tells the story of the Liberian women protesting the civil war which engulfed their country until 2003. Led by Leymah Gbowee (Winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize), the women prayed,

This new musical setting of a 19th-century Sacred Harp text is filled with enthusiasm for singing and the joy of faith. The harmonies are straightforward, and the piano accompaniment propels the

Composer Gwyneth Walker has crafted this beautiful piece where interplay between a sparkling piano part and playful vocal lines mirrors poet May Swenson’s comparison between love and a cascade of

Number four in the series of four Appalachian Carols set for both mixed and treble voices. The complete set contains Wondrous Love; The Cherry Tree Carol; Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head; and Go Tell it on

Adapted from the idea of the American folk song A Man of Constant Sorrow, Walker's Maid of Constant Sorrow has a very simple melody with a mournful message. That the soul is troubled and

This work in three movements: Evening Song; The Cloths of Heaven and She Walks in Beauty uses texts from the past - Sydney Lanier, William Butler Yeats, Lord Byron, and Song of Solomon -

Born in Bethlehem is a cumulative counting song, similar to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each group traveling to the Nativity, or associated with Jesus, is presented in ascending

Number two in the series of four Appalachian Carols set for both mixed and treble voices. The complete set contains Wondrous Love; The Cherry Tree Carol; Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head; and Go Tell it on

Typically this song is performed a cappella, slowly and prayerfully. However, the walking aspect of the lyrics might suggest a bit more movement. Gwyneth Walker has transferred the feel to a Dixieland-style

Matthew 25 and the well-known Emma Lazarus text, The New Colossus, are used in this effective short piece about caring for the less fortunate. The music begins with various soloists.

Number three in the series of four Appalachian Carols set for both mixed and treble voices. The complete set contains Wondrous Love; The Cherry Tree Carol; Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head; and Go Tell it on

Conveying a message of joy after darkness and dancing after sorrow, this setting of Psalm 30 features accessible SATB writing with some brief divisi, short solos for soprano and baritone, and a short a