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

In the SSAA voicing, this piece went viral when the Colorado All-State Treble Choir sang from the balconies in a hotel lobby! This a cappella arrangement of the folk hymn made popular in the movie "O

The artistically crafted piano accompaniment creates a gentle, wave-like motion to support the warm, lush choral textures and harmonies in this superb arrangement of the beloved spiritual. This elegant

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

Possessing crisp a cappella harmonies and cool syncopation in the vocal parts, this work is a solid choice for developing choirs in both concert and festival settings. An original bridge augments the

This sensitive setting of the spiritual KUM BAH YAH is not to be missed. In one spot the piano plays a guided improvisation over the choir singing neutral syllables. In another there is the option to sing

This superb a cappella arrangement is an inspiring tribute to the heroism of Harriet Tubman. Vocal percussion effects, well-written harmonies, train sounds, and call-and-response singing work together to

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,

Intriguingly different, this jazzy, bluesy setting of the classic spiritual really does pop with its fun, stylized piano accompaniment. With quite a bit of independence in the vocal lines, it is easy to

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

Dilworth's take on the classic spiritual doesn't disappoint! With a gospel piano part to match your singers as an equal and vital character in the song, the chugging of the tempo and the steady building of

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

Langston Hughes' powerful poem addresses the issues of racism, division, poverty, and greed, and Dilworth's inclusion of the African American spiritual I've Been in the Storm So Long

This contemporary setting of the wildly popular spiritual is spirited and imaginative. Percussive and rhythmic vocals fill this work colored with jazz harmonies and supporting a legato melody shared by all

Opening with a soulful treatment of We Shall Overcome, the work leads into a steady rock version of Lift Every Voice and Sing. This dynamic arrangement is a natural choice for a Martin

The upbeat swing treatment of this well-known spiritual contains carefully planned voice leading with some optional divisi and a supportive accompaniment. Artful chord voicings effectively showcase the rich

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

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