Composer

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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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4:59

"Deep River, Op. 59/10" is a choral work composed by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a British composer of African descent, in 1912. The piece is part of his "24 Negro Melodies," a collection of arrangements of African American spirituals for solo voice and piano, which he later orchestrated. The premiere of "Deep River" took place in London in 1912, and it quickly became one of Coleridge-Taylor's most popular works. The piece has since been performed by countless choirs and soloists around the world. "Deep River" is a slow, contemplative piece that captures the spiritual essence of the African American experience. The melody is simple and haunting, with a sense of longing and melancholy that reflects the struggles and hardships of the African American community. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Adagio," and it begins with a solo voice singing the opening lines of the spiritual: "Deep river, my home is over Jordan." The choir then enters, singing the same melody in harmony. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into a quiet, reflective ending. The second movement is marked "Andante," and it features a solo voice singing the second verse of the spiritual: "I want to cross over into campground." The choir then enters, singing the same melody in harmony. The movement is more upbeat than the first, with a sense of hope and determination. The final movement is marked "Lento," and it features a solo voice singing the third verse of the spiritual: "Oh, don't you want to go to that gospel feast." The choir then enters, singing the same melody in harmony. The movement is the most emotional of the three, with a sense of longing and sadness that reflects the struggles and hardships of the African American community. Overall, "Deep River, Op. 59/10" is a powerful and moving work that captures the essence of the African American spiritual. Its simple melody and haunting harmonies have made it a beloved piece of choral music, and it continues to inspire and move audiences today.

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