Choir director Moses Hogan, who died at 45 in 2003, built community through worship and song. As a choir director, he published more than 80 original arrangements of spirituals. And many of his arrangements are considered the best. They’re staples in churches, high schools and college choirs across the country. He founded several choirs, including the Moses Hogan Chorale and the Moses Hogan singers. By performing his arrangements, these groups ushered in a new era that revitalized the spiritual.
Musical arrangements from Moses Hogan
Elijah Rock
Performed by Moses Hogan Chorale, Elijah Rock is a traditional spiritual that is said to bear similarities to Mary Don’t You Weep.
Elijah Rock!
Elijah rock shout shout
Elijah rock comin' up Lord
Elijah rock shout shout
Elijah rock comin' up Lord
Satan ain't nothin' but a
snake in the grass
He's a conjur, he's a liar
Hallelujah, Lord.
Elijah rock shout shout
Elijah rock comin' up Lord
Elijah rock shout shout
Elijah rock comin' up Lord
If I could I surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood
If I could I surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood
Elijah rock, oh Elijah rock
The Battle of Jericho
This spiritual has gone by many names that, include Joshua Fought de Battle of Jericho, Joshua and Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. Hogan’s version is currently one of the most predominant arrangements. The work discusses the Battle of Jericho, where Joshua leads the Israelites against Canaan. It is one of the first songs that is said to be composed by slaves entirely.
Credits
Host: Vernon Neal
Producer: Dan Nass
Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship
Additional music selections: Jeffrey Yelverton
Executive Producer: Julie Amacher
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About Rhapsody in Black
Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
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