Craig McLeish writes of The Negro Speaks of Rivers - Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was the first black American to earn his living from writing. He was an innovator of jazz poetry, becoming part of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote plays, short stories, novels, and his poetry was widely read. He was also a journalist, columnist and lecturer. The Negro Speaks of Rivers was perhaps his earliest published work, written when only 17 and while travelling by train to Mexico to visit his father. As the train crossed the Mississippi he suddenly began thinking about how rivers had impacted on Negro history, particularly in the fight against slavery. The four rivers mentioned in the poem lent themselves to using musical influences from those particular regions. However, I have tried to keep these links fairly tenuous to avoid overt pastiche. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to work with Congolese musicians. These sessions led to the intricate rhythms in The Congo . The Mississippi mentions New Orleans, so a jazz fugue seemed the most appropriate compositional device to weave into the texture. The spirit of The Nile was gauged from many hours listening avidly to Egyptian music. Craig McLeish began his musical life as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral. As a bass guitarist, conductor, musical arranger and composer, he has worked with a wide variety of groups in several genres, and scored a hit with the cult pop band 'Fat and Frantic'. He is musical director of Young Voices UK, and conducts several youth and community choirs in and around Milton Keynes. / Choeur SATB

The struggle and suffering described in spirituals go hand in hand with an overwhelming sense of hope for a better life. Deep River is one of the most popular spirituals; its long-phrase melody calls for sustained breath control and a real sense of shape. Much contrast can be made between the first and second sections of the melody, and enjoy the more adventurous harmony around the words ‘where all is peace’ (both times!). The idiomatic ‘rippling’ piano part should be played very legato, but with a steady, clear tempo. This piece is part of the Faber Choral Singles series, offering a selection of beautifully crafted arrangements in a diversity of musical styles. From Broadway, pop and folk to spirituals, gospel and original works, the series is arranged for 3-part choir (soprano, alto and a combined male-voice part) providing flexibility for any choir. Complete with straight-forward piano accompaniments supporting the vocal lines, the Faber Choral Singles series guarantees the perfect repertoire for every occasion – so get exploring and get singing! / Choral Music / Répertoire / Voix Mixtes et Piano

. . . for Choirs Collections. Par CHILCOTT BOB. Une collection de 20 nouveaux nouveaux arrangements pour choeurs SATB spirituelle. Beaucoup de chansons sont bien connus pour la plupart des chanteurs, et certaines sont entièrement nouvelles. Il ya toute une gamme de styles, avec un mélange de morceaux de grande et à petite échelle, à la fois non accompagnés et accompagnés. La collection offre des chanteurs avec inspirant, émouvant et surtout, un répertoire agréable. Bob Chilcott a été impliqué dans la musique chorale, toute sa vie, d'abord comme choriste, puis une chorale Scholar au Kings College, Cambridge. Plus tard, il a chanté et composé des musiques pour 12 ans avec des chanteurs du Roi. Ses expériences avec ce groupe, son engagement passionné pour les chorales de jeunes et amateurs, et sa conviction profonde que la musique peut unir les gens, ont inspiré à la fois de composer à plein temps et, à travers workshopping proactive, afin de promouvoir la musique chorale dans le monde entier./ Recueil / Chant