The Oxford Book of Spirituals [Paperback]

Moses Hogan (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 2001

African American spirituals comprise one of the world's greatest and best-loved bodies of music. The Oxford Book of Spirituals is the first anthology to present a comprehensive survey of the genre's repertoire -- its principal composers, themes, and forms -- in a way that is at once stylistically authentic, historically meaningful, and intended for practical use both in worship and in concert. This collection features a rich array of songs, both familiar and less familiar, arranged for SATB choir by twenty-eight of the most significant American composers and presented in chronological order from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The twenty-eight spirituals included are listed in chronological order of publication, which is helpful in program building. The arrangers are all well known, and include distinguished composers of the caliber of Norman Luboff and Robert Shaw ... Something in fact, for everybody ... This is a well-prepared collection, and worth including in any good choral society's library, while being invaluable to specialists in this field. Well done, Mr Hogan! Henry Howell, Australian Music Teacher Magazine April 06 This is a well-prepared collection, and worth including in any good choral society's library, while being invaluable to specialists in this field. Well done, Mr Hogan! Henry Howell, Australian Music Teacher September 03 Overall, this collection covers a wide range of styles and moods ... The arrangements cover a range of choral abilities and this excellent collection should encourage many more choirs to explore this fascinating repertoire. Sadly, Moses Hogan died earlier this year at the untimely age of 45. He was proud of this publication, and deservedly so; it serves as a fitting memorial to both his scholarship and his enthusiasm. Alan Bullard, Choir and Organ July 03 Part of the value of this collection is this retrospective look at the growth of the concert spiritual arrangement style over the last century. The Oxford Book of Spirituals represents a "who's who" of spiritual arranging in the European classic concert choral style over the last century. Choral Journal (US) Vol. 43, No. 8 Any title beginning 'The Oxford Book of ... raises expectations of comprehensiveness, academic integrity and distinguished editorship. None of these is disappointed in The Oxford Book of Spirituals ... The earliest, Listen to the lambs by Nathaniel Dett inhabits the same world as late Dvorak, harmonically and geographically, and the whole collection is notable in displaying the familiar thumbprints of gospel harmony without descending into cliche. cont ... ... cont Apart from its interest and integrity, this is an immensely practical collection. Any choir should be able to tackle the simple textures of Let us break bread together and Little innocent lamb, and the wily conductor can steer a gently developing course towards more complex textures, subtler rhythms and more delicious harmonies. Moses Hogan's spectacular Battle of Jericho with its eight-part divisions need not overshadow the simpler settings, for all are written for those who, in the editor's words, 'listen with the heart as well as the ear. Rosemary Broadbent, Church Music Quarterly June 02 Arranging and performing spirituals is a big part of Hogan's livelihood, and his inside role disseminating African American culture gives this volume authority ... But at 236 pages, covering 28 arrangements for SATB chorus of spirituals at their powerful, emotive best, this volume is the real McCoy. Matthew Greenall, The Singer, May 02

About the Author

Internationally renowned as a pianist, conductor, and arranger, Moses Hogan is recognized as a leading force in promoting and preserving the African-American musical experience. Since 1980, he has focused his musical energy in the area of arranging spirituals, forming The New World Ensemble and the acclaimed Moses Hogan Chorale to preserve and extend the spiritual tradition. His contemporary settings of spirituals, original compositions, and other works have become staples in the repertoires of high school, college, church, community, and professional choirs worldwide. Through his subsequent work with the Moses Hogan Singers -- including concerts and recordings -- as well as his participation in festivals and workshops as both clinician and guest conductor, Hogan has been responsible for a growing interest in the spiritual as a choral art form.

Product Details

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0193863049
• ISBN-13: 978-0193863040
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #244,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Oxford Spirituals Edited by Moses Hogan, August 1, 2005

By 

Bobbop (Augusta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Oxford Book of Spirituals (Paperback)

The Oxford choral collections are all excellent. This one, issued shortly before Moses Hogan's death, is no exception. Hogan selected 28 spirituals covering the twentieth century from 1914 through 2001. The best selection, in my opinion, is "Fix Me Jesus" by Hall Johnson from 1955. The volume is marred by typos, such as missing or incorrect words, that are a distraction; otherwise, it would rate five stars.