Composer

:

William Levi Dawson

Average_duration

:

3:21

"Mary Had a Baby" 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 "Mary Had a Baby" was composed in the early 20th century and premiered in 1954. The piece is scored for SATB choir and piano, and it is typically performed a cappella. The arrangement features four movements, each of which highlights a different aspect of the Christmas story. The first movement, "Mary Had a Baby," is a joyful and celebratory setting of the traditional spiritual. The choir sings the melody in unison, with occasional harmonies and rhythmic variations. The piano provides a simple accompaniment that supports the choir without overpowering it. The second movement, "The Angel Gabriel," is a more contemplative setting of the story. The choir sings the text in a gentle, flowing rhythm, with occasional pauses and dynamic changes. The piano provides a delicate accompaniment that evokes the image of an angel's wings. The third movement, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," is a lively and energetic setting of the spiritual. The choir sings the melody in a call-and-response style, with the piano providing a driving rhythm that propels the piece forward. The movement ends with a rousing chorus that encourages the listener to spread the good news of Christ's birth. The final movement, "Mary's Little Boy Child," is a tender and reverent setting of the spiritual. The choir sings the melody in a hushed, almost whispered tone, with the piano providing a gentle accompaniment that supports the choir without overpowering it. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful resolution that evokes the image of a mother holding her newborn child. Overall, Dawson's arrangement of "Mary Had a Baby" is a beautiful and moving tribute to the Christmas story. The piece showcases his skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the spiritual traditions of African-American music.

More....