Alfred Music
18746, SATB, unaccompanied voices, $3.50
Date released: 1999

In the tradition of William Dawson, Moses Hogan, and other great spiritual arrangers, Mark Hayes has written a dynamic new setting of this classic spiritual. The opening chorus begins in a slow, expressive manner, showcasing lush, rich harmonies, after which the men introduce a fast rhythmic ostinato that sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The melody is traded back and forth between various voice parts, and the counter-melodies are particularly creative. Hayes uses the elements of dynamic contrast, polyphony, and syncopation to their best potential. The stirring finale will have people on their feet before the final cutoff. Destined to become a classic in the African-American spiritual repertoire.