Composer

:

William Levi Dawson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:01

"Ezekiel Saw de Wheel" is a traditional African American spiritual that has been arranged and adapted by many composers over the years. One of the most famous arrangements is by William Levi Dawson, an African American composer and conductor who was born in 1899 in Anniston, Alabama. Dawson's arrangement of "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel" was first performed in 1934 by the Tuskegee Institute Choir, which he directed. The premiere of Dawson's arrangement of "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel" was a significant moment in the history of African American choral music. The Tuskegee Institute Choir was one of the most renowned African American choirs of the time, and Dawson's arrangement showcased the power and beauty of African American spirituals in a new and exciting way. The arrangement features a variety of vocal techniques, including call-and-response, antiphonal singing, and complex harmonies, all of which are used to create a sense of energy and excitement. The arrangement is divided into three movements, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The first movement is a slow, contemplative section that features a soloist singing the opening lines of the spiritual. The choir then joins in, singing in unison and gradually building to a powerful climax. The second movement is a faster, more rhythmic section that features a call-and-response between the choir and a soloist. The choir sings the refrain "Ezekiel saw de wheel," while the soloist improvises on the verses. The third movement is a joyful, celebratory section that features complex harmonies and antiphonal singing. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with each section of the choir taking turns singing different parts of the spiritual. Overall, Dawson's arrangement of "Ezekiel Saw de Wheel" is a powerful and moving tribute to the African American spiritual tradition. It showcases the beauty and complexity of these songs, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of the African American community. The arrangement has become a staple of the choral repertoire and is still performed by choirs around the world today.

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