SKU: CF.CM9770
ISBN 9781491164419. UPC: 680160923311. Key: G major. English.
There is a Balm in Gilead is a well-known, traditional African-American spiritual. The “balm in Gilead†is a reference from the Old Testament, but the lyrics of this spiritual refer to the New Testament concept of salvation. The balm of Gilead is interpreted as a spiritual medicine that is able to heal Israel (and sinners in general). In the Old Testament, the balm of Gilead is taken most directly from Jeremiah chapter 8 v. 22: Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wounds of my [God's] people?This a cappella arrangement stays close to the simple, emotional source material. The words and the music embody weariness, resignation and hope, as the realities of slavery are met with the hope of salvation. There is a Balm in Gilead was originally part of a larger work, entitled, Mpaka simba watapo, for treble chorus, African drums and piano.  .
SKU: GI.G-8148
UPC: 785147814801. English. Text Source: African American spiritual.
Few pieces match the beauty of this imaginative rendering of the familiar spiritual. It will be a treat for the pianist who appreciates lush harmonies, while the simple, yet engaging, vocal writing will captivate your choir through from beginning to end.
SKU: AP.48409
UPC: 038081552323. English. Traditional Spiritual.
A bluesy rhythmic motive stacks up across voices, creating a compelling introduction and scattered interludes for this hip interpretation of the African-American spiritual. Call-and-response verses give individual sections a chance to shine, and a brief descant plus some optional divisi add that final flourish. A great teaching piece for 2- and 3-part choirs.
About Alfred Choral Designs
The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.
SKU: HL.397411
ISBN 9781705158791. UPC: 196288049876. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.
“We Shall Overcome†became a prominent theme song in the early days of the Civil Rights Movement. This song was often referenced in the speeches and sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King. The day after the funeral of Martin Luther King, blacks and whites held hands in the streets of Atlanta and sang this anthem of unity and social justice.
SKU: AP.48425
UPC: 038081552484. English. Traditional Spiritual.
The familiar African-American spiritual in a fresh rhythmic setting! Opening with just a shaker and unison voices, a tapestry of percussion ostinatos and traditional choral harmony gradually unfolds before returning back to the clean lines of the beginning. Well-planned key changes ensure successful a cappella modulations for less-experienced groups. Three notated percussion parts are included in the publication.
SKU: HL.456058
UPC: 196288066682. 6.75x10.5x0.036 inches.
Now available for SATB and SAB. Often referred to as the “Black National Anthem,†young people need to know this song and its importance in American history. Singers of all ages need to sing this song and know this inspirational anthem of faith and hope.
SKU: AP.43371
UPC: 038081489124. English. Traditional Spiritual.
An energetic and accessible arrangement of a great African-American spiritual! A swingin' tempo and gospel chords kick-start the joy, and handclaps in the final refrain take us over the top.
SKU: LO.15-2399H
ISBN 9781429102629.
With its positive and uplifting text inspired by the great African American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem The Poet and His Song, this lyrical, truly inspirational work possesses memorable moments and melodies that will linger long after the song is finished.
SKU: GI.G-7999
UPC: 785147799900. English. Text source: Negro Spiritual.
SKU: C2.20-95520
English.
SKU: AP.39792
UPC: 038081444536. English. Words by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Always expressive and sometimes dramatic, this handsome gem tells a romantic love story as penned by famous African American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. Rich with musicality to bring out the softer side of your men.
SKU: HL.345707
ISBN 9781540092328. UPC: 840126920390. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.
Terrific concert, contest or festival piece filled with kinetic musical energy that's easy to teach and learn with musical respect for the traditional spiritual. The independent part-singing is confidence building, too.
SKU: CF.CM9524
ISBN 9781491150566. UPC: 680160908066. 6.875 x 10.5 inches.
From the opening solo and duet passage to the a cappella three-part refrain, Lee Kesselman uses many textures in his transparent arrangement of this beloved African-American spiritual. Sure to touch the heart, inspire, give hope, and challenge, There is a Balm in Gilead is perfect for concerts and festivals.
SKU: MN.50-5333
UPC: 688670553332. English.
This SAB setting of the African American spiritual is varied and creative, with vocal percussion and a chill but supportive piano part. Not difficult, although the three vocal lines are sometimes quite independent. Duration: 2:00.
SKU: GI.G-005879