Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:23

"Dry Bones" is a spiritual song composed by Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh in 1926. The song was premiered in the same year and has since become a popular piece in the African American spiritual repertoire. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The lyrics describe the valley of dry bones from the Book of Ezekiel in the Bible, where the prophet sees a vision of bones coming together to form living beings. The music reflects the somber tone of the lyrics, with a slow tempo and minor key. The second movement is more upbeat and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The lyrics describe the bones coming together and forming a great army, with the sound of rattling bones and the breath of life filling the air. The music reflects the energy and excitement of the lyrics, with a driving rhythm and syncopated accents. The third movement returns to the slow, mournful tone of the first movement, with a repetition of the opening melody. The lyrics describe the prophet's vision of the bones coming to life and standing up, a symbol of hope and resurrection. The music reflects the sense of awe and wonder in the lyrics, with a quiet intensity and a sense of reverence. Overall, "Dry Bones" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the spirit of the African American spiritual tradition. Its simple yet profound lyrics and haunting melody have made it a beloved classic, and it continues to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world.

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