---

Programme Note

The Spirituals represent an extraordinary religious, social and musical
legacy. They are among the most enduring examples of all vernacular art, and
their appeal remains undiminished. These poignant expressions of joy and
sorrow were crafted with the utmost simplicity and a noticeable absence of
sentimentality.

As a musician and teacher I have always found inspiration in these melodies.
The arrangements in this volume reflect my relationship with several choirs
over the last decade. Some, including Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, were
written for my own students for a newly formed school choir. Others, such
as Don’t You Weep When I Am Gone, were written for Mike Brewer and the
extraordinary National Youth Choir of Great Britain, with whom I have
enjoyed a close relationship for many years. Mindful of the variety of styles,
musical forces and levels of difficulty, I hope that choirs large and small,
amateur and professional will all find something suitable in this collection.

Richard Allain

CONTENTS:

Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?
Soprano solo, SATB (with divisi)

Go down in de lonesome valley
Soprano solo, SATB

Walk together, Children
Soprano solo, SATB

Go down, Moses
SATB (optional divisi)

Werre you there?
Soprano solo, SATB (with divisi)

Gonna set down and rest
Soprano solo, SSATB

Don't you weep when I am gone
SSAA solo/semi-chorus, SSAATTBB

Scandalize my name
SSATTB

Steal away
SSATB

'Tis me Lord
SS semi-chorus, SATB divisi, SATB

Give me Jesus
Soprano & Tenor solos, SSAATTBB