Composer

:

Hall Johnson

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:12

'Ride On, King Jesus' is a spiritual composed by Hall Johnson in the early 20th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the 1920s or 1930s. The song was first performed by the Hall Johnson Choir, which was founded by Johnson in 1925. The premiere of 'Ride On, King Jesus' was likely at one of the many concerts performed by the Hall Johnson Choir in the 1920s and 1930s. The choir was known for its performances of spirituals and other African American music, and 'Ride On, King Jesus' quickly became one of their most popular pieces. The song is typically performed in four movements, with each movement building on the previous one to create a powerful and emotional experience for the listener. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the choir singing about the trials and tribulations of life. The second movement picks up the pace, with the choir singing about the hope and joy that comes from faith in Jesus. The third movement is a call-and-response section, with the choir and soloists trading lines back and forth. The final movement is a triumphant celebration of Jesus as King, with the choir singing at full volume and the music reaching a crescendo. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Ride On, King Jesus' is its use of call-and-response. This is a common feature of African American music, and it allows the choir and soloists to interact with each other and with the audience in a dynamic and engaging way. Another characteristic of the song is its use of repetition, both in the lyrics and in the music. This repetition helps to create a sense of unity and continuity throughout the piece, and it also allows the listener to become more fully immersed in the music. Overall, 'Ride On, King Jesus' is a powerful and moving spiritual that has become a staple of the African American choral tradition. Its combination of mournful and joyful elements, along with its use of call-and-response and repetition, make it a unique and unforgettable piece of music.

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