Composer

:

Paul Stanhope

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:14

"Steal Away" is a choral work composed by Australian composer Paul Stanhope in 2002. The piece was premiered by the Sydney Chamber Choir in the same year. It is a setting of the traditional African American spiritual of the same name, which was originally sung by slaves in the United States during the 19th century. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the spiritual. The first movement is a slow and mournful setting of the opening lines of the spiritual, "Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus." The second movement is more rhythmic and upbeat, with the choir singing the words "I ain't got long to stay here" in a call-and-response style. The final movement is a powerful and energetic setting of the spiritual's refrain, "Steal away to Jesus, I ain't got long to stay here." Stanhope's setting of "Steal Away" is characterized by its use of complex harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of African drumming and other percussion instruments. The piece also features a solo soprano voice, which sings a haunting melody over the choir in the first movement. Overall, "Steal Away" is a powerful and moving work that pays tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of the African American spiritual. Its combination of traditional and contemporary elements makes it a unique and compelling addition to the choral repertoire.

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