I Will Arise and Go to Jesus

Those who attended the Denver AAM conference are probably still appreciating the contributions of Lehman’s Denver mass and perhaps looking for opportunities to use more of his music. These three Lenten offerings are fine additions to any library, each exhibiting excellence in craft and beauty in musical effect. O Sorrow Deep is a gracefully flowing homophonic hymn. The G-minor landscape contains no chromatic alterations until the final Picardy third, yet the inexorable harmonic motion clearly differentiates this music from white-note meanderings. The added-tone harmonies have bite, bringing acute poignancy to this familiar text.

The Southern Harmony tune “Restoration” serves as the basis for I Will Arise and Go to Jesus, and the tune is always immediately identifiable in the texture. The piece begins with sopranos (or perhaps a soloist) singing the melody with no accompaniment. The second verse adds the altos, and the tenors join in verse three. The basses must wait until verse six for their first entrance and the increase in textural density propels the piece forward. Indeed, the number of voices changes in each verse, although sopranos and altos sing throughout. With no part divisions or extremes in ranges, this anthem is accessible to most choirs.
Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
October 2013