Spirituals and Gospel Choral Music

This accessible contemporary gospel work features a secular text that celebrates singing. A driving keyboard accompaniment, syncopated rhythms, solo opportunities, a layered bridge, and a clap chorus give

Mostly known for its association with the Underground Railroad, this traditional African-American spiritual is presented in an upbeat gospel setting. The stylized piano accompaniment really drives the

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,

A syncopated opening bass figure lays the groundwork for this original modern a cappella spiritual. As the other parts join in, the texture, harmony, and form develop, consistent with the great spiritual

This American folk hymn is a concert standard, presented here in a fresh a cappella concert version. A powerful and insistent rhythmic foundation is laid by the lower voices, while the familiar melody

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

Two fun-to-sing spirituals are paired and set with a swing rhythm in this enjoyable selection. The spirituals are presented individually first and then performed together as a partner song. Scored mostly

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

Filled with mixed meters, special vocal effects, and an open harmonic vocabulary that speaks to the folk idiom of the work, this arrangement of the early American hymn tune RESTORATION, from Southern

Following on the success of Praise His Holy Name, this modern gospel song is destined to be a choral classic. Already a popular choice for festival choirs, this piece is equally at home on the

This terrific arrangement of Ezekiel Saw the Wheel not only takes the familiar spiritual into a minor key, but also uses an ostinato in the lower voices to create the feeling of a wheel spinning -

This newly composed gospel-style spiritual features soprano and alto soloists along with your whole choir in an a cappella setting that will thrill your audience. Tempo variations and shifts between major

Contemporary harmonies, cool syncopations in the vocal parts, and a rhythmically supportive accompaniment grace Victor C. Johnson's high energy setting of this favorite spiritual. This work is a marvelous

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

Two African-American spirituals, Rise, Shine, for Thy Light Is A-Comin' and This Little Light of Mine, are combined in this solid setting. They work together beautifully! This is

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

Written in the style of an a cappella spiritual, Rose Aspinall's text shines in a rhythmic setting that your choir will love to sing. Feature two of your soloists along with your whole choir in full harmony

This haunting arrangement of the traditional spiritual uses open intervals and moving harmonies to create a modern a cappella feel while retaining the spiritual emotion of the original. The plaintive melody

This concert gospel selection explores the connection between Dvorak's "New World" symphony theme and its spiritual roots, which were directly influenced by his interaction with Harry T. Burleigh. The theme

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

The driving forward motion begins with the hushed opening and never lets up! This a cappella setting of the traditional spiritual is musically satisfying with full choral harmonies and fun vocal

This setting of an African American spiritual makes the most of its rich choral textures to set the emotional impact of the lyrics. The piano accompaniment adds just enough to support the voices while