Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

4:12

"Stan' still, Jordan" is a spiritual composed by Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh in the early 20th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written around 1910. The song was first published in 1916 by G. Ricordi & Co. in New York. The song is a classic example of the African American spiritual genre, which emerged from the slave culture of the American South. The lyrics of "Stan' still, Jordan" tell the story of the biblical figure Joshua, who led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The song is a call to faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, and it has become a staple of African American religious music. "Stan' still, Jordan" is typically performed in a slow, mournful tempo, with a simple melody and sparse accompaniment. The song is divided into three distinct sections, or movements, each with its own unique character. The first movement is a solo vocal line, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement features a call-and-response between the soloist and a choir, with the choir repeating the soloist's phrases in a powerful, harmonized chorus. The third movement is a return to the solo vocal line, which builds to a climactic finish. One of the most distinctive features of "Stan' still, Jordan" is its use of syncopation, a rhythmic technique that emphasizes off-beat accents. This gives the song a distinctive, swinging feel that is characteristic of African American music. The song also features a number of melodic and harmonic twists and turns, which add to its emotional impact. Overall, "Stan' still, Jordan" is a powerful and moving example of the African American spiritual tradition. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of this music to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds and faiths.

More....