Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:45

"I Want to Be Ready" 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 1912 in Burleigh's collection of spirituals titled "Jubilee Songs of the USA." The song has become a staple in the repertoire of African American spirituals and has been performed by numerous artists over the years. It has been featured in films, television shows, and stage productions, and has been recorded by artists such as Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, and Mahalia Jackson. "I Want to Be Ready" is a slow, contemplative song that is typically performed in a call-and-response style. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the opening line, "I want to be ready when Jesus comes." The response from the choir is a simple repetition of the same line. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a slow, mournful quality that reflects the longing for salvation and the desire to be prepared for the second coming of Christ. The second movement features a more complex melody and a more upbeat tempo. The soloist sings, "I want to be ready when he comes," and the choir responds with a series of ascending and descending phrases that create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The melody is more joyful and celebratory, reflecting the hope and expectation of the faithful. The final movement returns to the slow, mournful melody of the first movement. The soloist sings, "I want to be ready when he comes," and the choir responds with a series of descending phrases that create a sense of finality and resolution. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a sense of quiet acceptance and resignation that reflects the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life. Overall, "I Want to Be Ready" is a powerful and moving spiritual that speaks to the deep faith and longing for salvation that is at the heart of the African American spiritual tradition. Its simple melody and call-and-response structure make it accessible to a wide range of performers and audiences, and its message of hope and redemption continues to resonate with listeners today.

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