Gwyneth Walker

Come and Go With Me To That Land

for SATB Chorus and Piano (2014)
for SSA Chorus and Piano (2014)
for SATB Chorus and Strings (2014), as part of Gospel Songs
for SSA Chorus and Strings (2014), as part of Gospel Songs

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Download a PDF file of the choral score (SATB version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.

Download a PDF file of the choral score (SSA version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.


Commissioned by the Ohio Music Education Association District 4 & 7 Honors Festival, Cleveland, Ohio

Come and Go With Me to That Land is a traditional, gospel song, speaking of the "promised land" (heaven) where I'm bound. This new arrangement focuses on several, specific aspects of the lyrics, and of the "journey." Envisioning that one is walking to that land, the piano introduction, in a swing rhythm, is marked At a strolling tempo. When the chorus enters, there is a bounce to their step, with the staccato dots coming each time on the word with -- Come and go with me to that land...

This is a jaunty expedition. One sees one's parents waiting in that land. Loving friends are there as well. A bit of scat singing and finger snapping adds to the energy.

A slower middle section, in blues style, affirms that They'll be no slavery in that land. Shackles are thrown to the ground, and freedom breaks forth. This leads to a quick and energetic return to the gospel song, with a final refrain of They'll be singing in that land, voices ringing in that land!

This is very American music, in a gospel, blues and folk style.