Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:33

My Lord, what a mornin' 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 1917. The piece premiered in 1918 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The spiritual is a four-movement work that features a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The first movement, "My Lord, what a mornin'," is a joyful and celebratory piece that expresses the joy of waking up to a new day. The second movement, "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" is a somber and reflective piece that reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The third movement, "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child," is a mournful and melancholic piece that expresses feelings of loneliness and abandonment. The final movement, "Deep river," is a hopeful and uplifting piece that expresses the desire for eternal rest and peace. The characteristics of My Lord, what a mornin' are typical of the spiritual genre. The piece features call-and-response patterns, syncopated rhythms, and a strong emphasis on vocal expression and emotion. The use of repetition and variation is also a common feature of spirituals, and Burleigh employs these techniques throughout the work to create a sense of unity and coherence. Overall, My Lord, what a mornin' is a powerful and moving work that showcases the beauty and depth of the spiritual genre. Burleigh's skillful composition and use of traditional spiritual elements make this piece a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift audiences today.

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