Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration [CD, Soundtrack]

Aaron Robinson (Artist, Conductor, Performer), Immanuel Baptist Church Chorus (Artist), Various Soloists (Artist), Public Domain (Composer), IBC Black Nativity Chorus (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: CD, Soundtrack
• Label: Music at Immanuel
• ASIN: B001L9FYNM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,104 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. My Way Is Cloudy

2. Most Done Travelin'

3. My Poor Mary

4. Wasn't That a Pity and a Shame?

5. Glory Be to the Newborn King

6. Wasn't That a Mighty Day?

7. Joy to the World

8. Christ is Born

9. Sweet Little Jesus Boy

10. Rise Up Shepherd and Follow

11. If Anybody Asks You

12. Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Editorial Reviews

On December 11th, 1961 at the 41st St Theater in New York City, 6 gospel singers made history. Backed up by only a piano and a B3 Hammond organ, they performed Black Nativity by the African American poet and playwright Langston Hughes. He titled it a Gospel-Song Play because it combined gospel spirituals with narration about the birth of Jesus. A truly remarkable production to see, it is however virtually unknown to the general public and even to many musicians. Although there exists only a single cast recording, which was made from the initial run of the original Broadway production, a musical score is unobtainable to those wishing to perform the vocal selections in concert form. Why? Simply put, Hughes chose gospel spirituals that were in the public domain to accompany his text, and various seasonal productions use their own choice of song to illustrate their specific production needs. In addition, the improvisations and performances found on that celebrated cast LP would be impossible to replicate onto the printed page. Conductor-pianist and music historian Aaron Robinson, having listened to the album for several years, set to the task of creating a score inspired by the legendary performance. Believing that music is both universal and inclusive, encompassing no barriers of race, creed or color, Robinson offered the opportunity to perform in this premiere concert to all those who were interested in singing a style of music that was not normally a part of their tradition. The response was overwhelming, Without hesitation, several members of the community and the Immanuel Baptist Church choir rose to the occasion by rehearsing diligently for months on end, trying to authentically recreate the gospel sounds of these Christmas spirituals. This is the product of their creation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JOY TO THE WORLD!, April 6, 2008

By 

Elite Syncopations "Dizzy Fingers" (Portland, ME) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration (MP3 Download)

On December 11th, 1961 at the 41st St Theater in New York City, 6 gospel singers made history. Backed up by only a piano and a B3 Hammond organ, they performed Black Nativity by the African American poet and playwright Langston Hughes. He titled it "A Gospel Song-Play" because it combined gospel spirituals with narration about the birth of Jesus. A truly remarkable production to see, it is however virtually unknown to the general public and even to many musicians.

Although there exists only a single cast recording, which was made from the initial run of the original Broadway production, a musical score is unobtainable to those wishing to perform the vocal selections in concert form. Why? Simply put, Hughes chose gospel spirituals that were in the public domain to accompany his text, and various seasonal productions use their own choice of song to illustrate their specific production needs. In addition, the improvisations and performances found on that celebrated cast LP would be impossible to replicate onto the printed page.

Conductor-pianist and music historian Aaron Robinson, having listened to the album for several years, set to the task of creating a score inspired by the legendary performance. Believing that music is both universal and inclusive, encompassing no barriers of race, creed or color, Robinson offered the opportunity to perform in this premiere concert to all those who were interested in singing a style of music that was not normally a part of their tradition. The response was overwhelming. Without hesitation, several members of the community and the Immanuel Baptist Church choir rose to the occasion by rehearsing diligently for months on end, trying to authentically recreate the gospel sounds of these Christmas spirituals. This is the product of their creation.

4.0 out of 5 stars Make you want to shout, September 21, 2010

By 

Teacher - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration (Audio CD)

I couldn't be a member of a better group who always have the best products.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Musical triumph!, April 25, 2008

By 

J. Coons - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Nativity - In Concert: A Gospel Celebration (MP3 Download)

"Black Nativity," arranged by Aaron Robinson, is a unique, powerful experience that is not to be missed! It is a must for every church musician, choir director, or fan of Gospel or choral music in general. The arrangements are approachable, but moving, and it's not hard to see why it's become a holiday favorite. As a church choir director, I could not recommend this piece more highly, for its sweeping, lush arrangements, respectful yet jubilant tone, and all in all unique perspective that delivers in every manner. Simply beautiful!