I Dream a World — January 15, 2021

Derived from a range of outstanding choral music, my themed Playlists are designed to be like concerts, of about an hour in length.

This week’s Playlist is inspired by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday and comprised of hymns and spirituals expressing hope for better days to come. Selections include two of King’s favorite hymns, There is a Balm in Gilead and Precious Lord, Take My Hand. Other highlights include Moses Hogan’s rousing arrangement of My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord, a stunning new setting of Amazing Grace and a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by the Boys Choir of Harlem.

Listen on YouTube:

Listen on Spotify:

PROGRAM

Click the links for information on the pieces and texts/translations.

Robert Kyr (b.1952)

Freedom Song

O Lord, I want freedom!
I’m on my way to be free!
Set me free, Lord, set me free!
Give us freedom! Alleluia!
                    Robert Kyr

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

André Thomas (b.1952)

I Dream a World

I dream a world where man
No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth
And peace its paths adorn.
I dream a world where all
Will know sweet freedom’s way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul
Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white,
Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth
And every man is free,
Where wretchedness will hang its head
And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind-
Of such I dream, my world!
                    Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

Performed by Florida State University Chamber Choir, conducted by André Thomas

 

Arr. Moses Hogan (1957-2003) 

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine.
All through the night,
I’m gonna let it shine.
My God gave it to me,
Lord, I’m gonna let it shine,
Alleluia, children,
In my home, all over the world.
                    Traditional Gospel

Performed by St. Olaf Choir in live concert, conducted by Anton Armstrong

 

Arr. William Dawson (1899-1990) 

Soon Ah Will Be Done

Text

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

Arr. Carol Barnett (b.1949)

Deep River

Deep River, my home is over Jordan.
Deep River, Lord, I wanna cross over into campground.
Oh, children, don’t you want to go to the Gospel feast,
that promised land where all is peace?
Gonna walk into heaven, gonna take my seat, and cast my crown at Jesus’ feet.
                    African-American Spiritual

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

Arr. Moses Hogan 

Ain’t That Good News

Text

Performed by Moses Hogan Singers & Barbara Hendricks, soprano, conducted by Moses Hogan

 

Arr. Carol Barnett 

Steal Away

Text

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993) 

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Text

Performed in live concert recording by Reginald Mobley, countertenor & Seraphic Fire, conducted by Patrick Quigley

 

Arr. Moses Hogan

My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord

Before I’d stay in hell one day,
I’d sing an’ pray my self away.
My soul’s been anchored in the Lord.

Goin’ shout an’ pray an’ never stop,
Until I reach the mountain top.
My soul’s been anchored in the Lord.
                    African-American Spiritual

Performed by Concordia Choir, conducted by René Clausen

 

Arr. William Dawson

There is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead,
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead,
to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged,
and think my work’s in vain
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.

If you cannot sing like angels,
if you cannot preach like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus,
and say, “He died for all.”
                    African-American Spiritual

Performed by St. Olaf Choir & Marvis Martin, soprano, conducted by Anton Armstrong

 

Arr. Ēriks Ešenvalds (b.1977)

Amazing Grace

Text

Performed by Millikin University Choir, conducted by Brad Holmes

 

Arr. Robert Gibson (b.1989)

We Shall We Overcome

Deep in my heart,
I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.
We’ll walk hand in hand someday.
We shall live in peace someday.
We are not afraid today.
                    Attr. Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933)

Performed by The Aeolians, conducted by Jason Max Ferdinand

 

Arr. Roland Carter (b.1942)

Lift Every Voice

Background and Text

Performed by Boys Choir of Harlem, conducted by Walter Turnbull