Composer

:

Hall Johnson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:13

"City Called Heaven" is a spiritual composed by Hall Johnson, an African American composer, arranger, and choral conductor. The piece was composed in the early 20th century, but the exact date of composition is unknown. It was first performed by the Hall Johnson Choir, which was founded by Johnson in 1925. The piece is typically performed a cappella, with a soloist singing the melody and the choir providing harmonies and rhythmic accompaniment. It is a slow, mournful piece that expresses the longing for a better life in heaven. The lyrics describe a city of gold and a river of life, where there is no more sorrow or pain. "City Called Heaven" is divided into three movements. The first movement is a solo introduction, in which the soloist sings the first verse of the song. The second movement is a choral response, in which the choir sings a repeated refrain. The third movement is a solo conclusion, in which the soloist sings the final verse of the song. The piece is characterized by its use of call and response, a common feature of African American spirituals. The soloist and choir alternate in a dialogue-like fashion, with the soloist leading the way and the choir responding with harmonies and rhythmic accompaniment. The piece also features a slow, mournful tempo and a simple, repetitive melody that emphasizes the emotional content of the lyrics. "City Called Heaven" has become a staple of the choral repertoire, and it has been performed by countless choirs and soloists around the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of African American spirituals to express the deepest longings of the human soul.

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