Composer

:

Michael Tippett

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Spiritual

Compose Date

:

1958

Average_duration

:

11:27

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Michael Tippett's "Negro Spirituals" is a collection of five choral arrangements of traditional African American spirituals. The work was composed in 1941 and premiered in London in 1942. The five movements are "Steal Away," "Nobody Knows," "Go Down, Moses," "By and By," and "Deep River." The first movement, "Steal Away," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a solo soprano voice. The choir provides a gentle and supportive background, with occasional interjections of the spiritual's melody. Tippett's arrangement emphasizes the spiritual's message of hope and comfort in the face of adversity. The second movement, "Nobody Knows," is a lively and rhythmic piece that features a call-and-response structure between the choir and a soloist. Tippett's arrangement highlights the spiritual's message of perseverance and faith in the face of uncertainty. The third movement, "Go Down, Moses," is a powerful and dramatic piece that features a solo bass voice. The choir provides a driving and rhythmic background, with occasional interjections of the spiritual's melody. Tippett's arrangement emphasizes the spiritual's message of liberation and freedom. The fourth movement, "By and By," is a gentle and reflective piece that features a solo alto voice. The choir provides a soft and supportive background, with occasional interjections of the spiritual's melody. Tippett's arrangement emphasizes the spiritual's message of hope and comfort in the face of death. The fifth and final movement, "Deep River," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a solo tenor voice. The choir provides a gentle and supportive background, with occasional interjections of the spiritual's melody. Tippett's arrangement emphasizes the spiritual's message of longing for a better life beyond this world. Overall, Tippett's "Negro Spirituals" is a powerful and moving tribute to the African American spiritual tradition. His arrangements highlight the spirituals' messages of hope, perseverance, liberation, and comfort, while also showcasing the beauty and power of the choral form.

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