Composer

:

Traditional Spiritual

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Spiritual

Average_duration

:

2:21

'Ezekiel Saw de Wheel' is a traditional spiritual song that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated during the time of slavery in the United States. The song was often sung by slaves as they worked in the fields or during religious gatherings. The song's premiere is also unknown, but it gained popularity during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s when it was used as a symbol of hope and freedom. It has since been performed by various artists and choirs, including the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Mahalia Jackson. 'Ezekiel Saw de Wheel' is a song with multiple movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement begins with the lyrics "Ezekiel saw de wheel, way up in de middle of de air," which describe the prophet Ezekiel's vision of a wheel within a wheel in the Bible. This movement is characterized by a call-and-response style of singing, with the lead singer calling out the lyrics and the choir responding with a repetitive refrain. The second movement of the song is more upbeat and features a faster tempo. The lyrics describe the wheel as "turnin' round and round," and the choir sings in a more jubilant and celebratory tone. This movement is often accompanied by clapping and dancing. The third movement of the song is slower and more contemplative. The lyrics describe the wheel as a symbol of God's power and the choir sings in a more reverent and solemn tone. This movement is often accompanied by swaying and kneeling. Overall, 'Ezekiel Saw de Wheel' is a powerful and uplifting spiritual song that has been passed down through generations of African American communities. Its multiple movements and call-and-response style of singing make it a dynamic and engaging piece of music that continues to inspire and uplift people today.

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