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Wade in the Water / Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

Espiritual tradicional

Score

Read it and listen to it right here. It can't be downloaded — to sing it with your choir, use it in Cantico.

History

Wade in the Water / Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

This piece brings together two African American spirituals: “Wade in the Water” and “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”. Both were published in writing between 1899 and 1901, although they come from an earlier oral tradition.

About the piece

This piece brings together two African American spirituals: “Wade in the Water” and “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child”. Both were published in writing between 1899 and 1901, although they come from an earlier oral tradition.

How to prepare it

The range is A3–D5 (an eleventh), somewhat wide for an assembly, and the music is brief. The choir's work lies in the expression: “Wade in the Water” is sung with a firm, confident rhythm, and “Motherless Child” with a slow, almost whispered legato. Rehearse the change of character between the two sections and let the silence between them be part of the performance.

When to use it

Very suitable for Lent, and the first half, with its water theme, is especially fitting for the Easter Vigil and baptismal celebrations.