| Product Number | 1.3467* |
|---|---|
| Composer/Arranger | <a href="/composers/r/paul-john-rudoi.html">Rudoi, Paul John</a> |
| Voicing & Instruments | Tenor Solo, TTBB unaccompanied |
| Series | National Collegiate Choral Organization Choral Series |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Popular Choral Searches | Spirituals |
| Liturgical Year | General |
| Duration | 3:30 |
| Reviews | My professional men's group, BealeCanto, is performing this work this spring. The men love it- it is tastefully and skillfully written; lies well for the voice, is accessible for high school men's groups, yet has enough challenge in it for college groups, community groups and the like. It contains a nice assortment of songs (Yonder Come Day; Hush, Hush, Somebody's Callin' My name; Steal Away; returns to Yonder Come Day); has a nice tenor solo, provides a nice variety in the tunes yet flows very well. It is beautifully threaded together, and makes sense artistically. It is an audience pleaser, and fun to sing. In short, I highly recommend it, and the men from BealeCanto would as well. I became acquainted with Paul's piece when it won the NCCO composition competition last year. I purchased copies for my collegiate men's chorus at the University of Virginia, and we took it on tour to Argentina. It was the audience favorite at every concert, with cheers, standing ovations, and shouts of "encore" following every performance. It's proved equally popular with our audiences back in the US, so I highly recommend it! |
| Publisher | Galaxy Music Corporation |
More Information
Description
Paul John Rudoi’s narrative arrangement is not just another medley of spirituals. Paul’s choice to combine Yonder Come Day, a spiritual championed by Bessie Jones and the Georgia Sea Island Singers, with specific spirituals, including "Hush, Hush," "Somebody's Calling My Name," "Steal Away," and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," well known for coded messages was intentional, shedding light on the hope required to move beyond the horrific atrocities millions encountered because of American slavery, Jim Crow era tactics, and more. The unused parts of these spirituals are no less important, and should be mentioned along with Bessie, the Singers, and other parts of this history when learning this piece. Ultimately, it is built to serve as a testament to the courage of those enslaved, a statement of hope for anyone marginalized, and a small part in the continuing conversation about our shared American history.