Down by the Riverside is currently unavailable

About this arrangement

Choral SSA choir, piano SKU: CF.BL1316 Composed by African American Spiritual. Arranged by Pamela Perec Lee Lon Beery. Octavo. Duration 2:40. BriLee Music #BL1316. Published by BriLee Music (CF.BL1316). UPC: 672405011815. Key: Bb major. English. Traditional Spiritual.Down by the Riverside is one of the most beloved of all African American spirituals. Written by slaves prior to the Civil War, spirituals are often full of faith and hope in the midst of some of life's most difficult, unimaginable circumstances. Many spirituals have more than one meaning. Behind some of the religious texts were often coded messages meant to communicate with other slaves about escaping to freedom. Because of the recurring phrase, "I ain't gonna study war no more," this spiritual has become popular during times of war, especially among those politically opposed to war.it is not absolutely clear what is meant by going "down by the riverside." Certainly a riverside might be a place where slaves may have gathered for a baptism following a conversion. However, it may be that the author was thinking more figuratively, possibly referring to death where the believer looks forward to "crossing the river" to go to heaven. Or it might be referring to a time in the future where many look forward to universal peace, as when the Biblical writers wrote, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their shears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3  NIV).Whatever the exact meaning of the song, it is hopeful, joyful, and energetic. Those feelings should be conveyed to the audience, especially through each singer's joyous facial expression. As this arrangement is in a gospel style, you may want to sway, using a simple step-touch with the feet and adding hand claps on beats two and four, perhaps beginning at the key change at m. 40.HAVE FUN!