Been Down to the Sea
by Nick Page
3-Part - Sheet Music

SAB choir, piano (SAB choir)

SKU: AN.AMP-0771

Arranged by Nick Page. Octavo. Alliance Music Publications #AMP 0771. Published by Alliance Music Publications (AN.AMP-0771).

Page.

BEEN DOWN INTO THE SEA
Arranged by Nick Page

The word Hallelujah strikes joy in our hearts. It is heard in the European classics, both Christian and Jewish, and it is heard in spirituals like Little David, Play On Your Harp, Hallelu, Hallelu, and Hallelujah, I've Been Down Into the Sea. Handel's Hallelujah Chorus has been sung in many styles, including an upbeat Black Gospel style. For me, the moment when it occurred to me that I could combine great spirituals with Handel's great anthem was a Hallelujah moment.

For this arrangement, I brought in a second spiritual called Keep Me from Sinkin' Down. Its beautiful long phrases Oh Lord, Oh Lord were the perfect counterpoint to the faster Hallelujahs. In the spiritual tradition, words are often borrowed from one spiritual to another. For example, the words One of these days about twelve o'clock, this whole world's gonna reel and rock is heard in many spirituals. For this arrangement, I borrowed words from a Gospel song by F. M. Hamilton called We Shall Meet There By and By.

As with African-American and Black Gospel traditions, sing percussively. I compare it to striking a drum with your voice. A phrase can still be legato, but each word simply has a slight punch to it (not the same as an accent). Sing this arrangement with great joy and energy. Contrast the loud and soft sections, but keep the driving pulse moving throughout.