Composer

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William Levi Dawson

Average_duration

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3:09

"In His Care-O" is a choral work composed by William Levi Dawson, an African American composer and arranger. The piece was composed in 1951 and premiered in the same year by the Tuskegee Institute Choir, which Dawson directed at the time. The piece is a spiritual, a genre of music that originated among African American slaves in the United States. Spirituals were often sung in religious contexts and expressed the struggles and hopes of the African American community. "In His Care-O" is a particularly joyful and uplifting spiritual, with a lively tempo and a celebratory tone. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro con spirito" and features a lively, syncopated rhythm. The choir sings in unison, with occasional harmonies, and the melody is carried by the sopranos. The lyrics express the idea that God is always watching over us and protecting us, even in difficult times. The second movement is marked "Andante espressivo" and is more contemplative in character. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the melody moving between the different sections. The lyrics express gratitude for God's love and care, and the music is more subdued and introspective than the first movement. The third movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and returns to the joyful, celebratory tone of the first movement. The choir sings in unison, with a driving rhythm and syncopated accents. The lyrics express the idea that we are all part of God's family and that we should love and care for one another. The piece ends with a triumphant shout of "Hallelujah!" Overall, "In His Care-O" is a powerful and uplifting work that showcases Dawson's skill as a composer and arranger. The piece has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is frequently performed by choirs around the world.

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