A Choral Fantasy on Soon I Will Be Done (HL 1197758)

A Choral Fantasy on Soon I Will Be Done (HL 1197758)

Here's a choral fantasy on the traditional African American spiritual, “Soon I Will Be Done.” The grave Wagnerian opening sets the stage for the fiery main theme of the piece–a triplet feeling motif in the lower piano that continues under each chorus statement of the melody. The choir re-enters in the role of the “orchestra” in the second chorus with a haunting legato counter melody that leads up to the first verse. Each verse should have a Gospel/Stride feel with the choir, particularly the upper voices, switching to a more Gospel sound and rhythmic feel. The A sections should be performed with aggression and angst to contrast the calm legato middle section. That middle section is our musical prayer of hope that, like the sentiment of this Spiritual, will continue to live in our hearts despite the sometimes difficult realities of life.