Composer

:

William Schuman

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1981

First Performance

:

Sep 24, 1982

Average_duration

:

10:26

American Hymn is a choral work composed by William Schuman in 1968. It was premiered on May 2, 1968, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled "Oh, the Lord's been good to me," is a lively and upbeat setting of the traditional American folk song. Schuman's arrangement features a call-and-response structure between the choir and orchestra, with the choir singing the melody and the orchestra responding with a rhythmic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its joyful and celebratory tone, reflecting the gratitude expressed in the lyrics. The second movement, titled "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child," is a slower and more contemplative setting of another traditional American spiritual. Schuman's arrangement features a solo soprano voice singing the melody, accompanied by a soft and mournful orchestral accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its haunting and melancholic tone, reflecting the sense of loss and longing expressed in the lyrics. The third and final movement, titled "Hallelujah," is a triumphant and exuberant setting of the traditional gospel song. Schuman's arrangement features a full choir and orchestra, with the choir singing the melody and the orchestra providing a lively and energetic accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its joyful and uplifting tone, reflecting the exultation expressed in the lyrics. Overall, American Hymn is a powerful and moving tribute to the rich musical traditions of America. Schuman's masterful arrangements of these traditional songs capture the essence of their lyrics and melodies, while also infusing them with his own unique style and vision. The result is a work that is both deeply rooted in American culture and yet also transcends it, speaking to the universal themes of faith, hope, and love that are at the heart of all great music.

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