The Spirituals of Harry T. Burleigh

As a singer, performer, private voice teacher and performance coach, spirituals are an absolute foundation for blues. Burleigh's works are accessible to students of all ages. Novice and skilled performers often find many of the songs on required lists for solo and ensemble competitions, recitals, and performances alike.Harry Thacker Burleigh was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1866. His mother was a slave, Hamilton Waters, who was discarded by his Maryland owners when he became blind. His grandfather used to sing spirituals to Harry as Harry led him through the streets of Erie.After graduation from high school, Harry became well established as a singer in the Episcopal Church in Erie. He learned of the availability of a scholarship at the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. With the help of donations from many public spirited Erie music lovers, he was able to go to New York to study.In addition to his regular studies, Harry studied voice with Christian Fritsch, harmony with Rubin Goldmark and counterpoint with John White and Max Spicker. He played double bass and tympani in the conservatory orchestra under Franz Van der Stucken, Gustav Hinricks and Anton Dvorak.Burleigh played and sang the old melodies for Dvorak, such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", which is mirrored in the second theme of the first movement of Dvorak's New World Symphony.Harry Burleigh became a linguist, singing in Hebrew as we all as Latin, Italian, French and German. For several years, he regarded his casual efforts at composition as merely mental exercise, until his friends virtually forced him to publish. "DEEP RIVER", published in 1917, made Harry Burleigh well known as a composer. His "Little Mother of Mine" was performed throughout the world by famous operatic tenor John McCormack.He was a charter member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. His music falls into three main categories: secular, religious and spirituals. This volume has the largest body of his work published in one source with 48 songs total.If you are a student of vocal music, a student of the blues, or a vocalist who wishes to expand your repertoire in a fundamental American art song form, I highly recommend this volume.

Good arrangements with a lot of songs. I was looking for "Balm in Gilead" in particular. I had heard Paul Robeson sing it originally and was looking for that piano/vocal arrangement of the song. The arrangement in this book is almost spot on. There are many other good songs and arrangements in a good range for low voice.

This book of Spirituals by Harry Burleigh is wonderful par none!!If you are a classical singer this work of spirituals should be a part of your library. The music is incredible and you will not be sorry for owning it.

The book was purchased used; when it arrived it looked spankin brand new!

I ordered this to get the classic simple arrangements of spirituals for solo voice. I was not disappointed. And I was pleasantly surprised to see arrangements of spirituals I was completely unfamiliar with for a wide range of seasons and purposes. This is a foundation collection of arrangements for the library of any singer.