Choral SSA choir
SKU:
CF.CM9770
Composed by
Traditional
African-American
Spiritual. Arranged by
Lee R. Kesselman.
Duration 2 minutes, 17
seconds. Carl Fischer
Music #CM9770. Published
by Carl Fischer Music
(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.  .
