Spirituals and Gospel Choral Music

"Over my head I hear music in the air, there must be a God somewhere." The traditional spiritual is a mix of hopeful lyrics about the future, despite our current afflictions. This setting brings an exciting

The river flows steady and calm in this beautiful arrangement of the traditional spiritual edited by Dan Forrest. It is impossible to ignore the underlying intensity which rises and falls as peace, love and

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

An uplifting, 6/8 gospel feel propels this original to soaring heights. Phrases were offered by school children and the composer crafted and connected them into a significant statement. Just when you think

In this dynamic a cappella spiritual, the words from the traditional spiritual are incorporated in an original setting that prominently features the basses. Rhythmic excitement abounds with accents and

Edge-of-your-seat excitement! This modern take on the traditional spiritual features strong choral writing with nice harmonic moments and interplay between voices complemented by a spirited piano part. The

A slow opening fanfare sets up this modern setting of traditional spiritual before exploding into a high-powered arrangement with just a hint of jazz. A cappella and choral throughout, the rhythmic

A fast swing intro punctuated by piano, bass, drums, and finger snaps leads into a jazzy arrangement of the traditional spiritual unlike any you've ever heard. The choral parts are fun to sing with scoops,

This lesser-known spiritual has a theme of resilience and home presented chorally in a call and response format. With considerable flexibility for improvisation, inflections and note bending by the chorus,

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

Freshly arranged, this a cappella setting of the well-known spiritual presents a rhythmic harmonization in an upbeat texture that will appeal to better choirs. The integrity of the spiritual is upheld,

A rollicking a cappella setting of the popular spiritual, this selection is sure to be a favorite of both choir and audience. This upbeat arrangement provides plenty of teachable moments that your singers

Victor Johnson's fresh treatment of this highly beloved spiritual is quite stunning, arranged thoughtfully with excellent choral writing and limited divisi. A flowing piano accompaniment supports the lush

The arranger's style is evident in every measure of this extraordinary gospel-rock setting! With a good mix of unison, two-part and fully voiced chorals, easy-to-feel syncopations, and a supportive piano

Tate has created a beautiful a cappella setting of this traditional spiritual that expresses all the longing and yearning for a better day, typical of the style. The minor setting utilizes strong harmonic

In the traditional spiritual Let Me Fly, the chariot is presented as a symbol of freedom. This creative setting for mixed or treble choirs offers lots of opportunities for musical growth and

An extended introduction hints at the excitement to come with melodic fragments and original material that erupt into a rhythmic and driving setting of this well-loved Spiritual. Fun to sing, with

Opening with "Keep your lamps trimmed and burning!" as a dramatic rubato statement, this incredibly creative arrangement then kicks into a driving, rhythmically intense feel that never lets up!  A most

This dynamite selection quotes the spiritual Walk Together, Children and offers driving rhythmic excitement straight through to its exuberant conclusion! A superb choice for concert, festival, or

This spunky rendition of the timeless spiritual is upbeat and syncopated with tons of personality. Lots of unison makes this piece easy to sing while it builds to an impressively big ending. The inclusion

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,

This fresh combination of two traditional spirituals in a light jazzy style is equally appropriate for the concert stage or the worship service. The addition of the optional rhythm parts heighten the

This vibrant and celebrative piece, written in the style of an African-American spiritual, is written for soprano or mezzo-soprano solo, SATB divisi and piano. The piece gradually builds in intensity and