Introduction
The show took held at the State Farm Arena and included the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on their Hope World Tour, as well as special performances from the Spelman and Morehouse glee clubs. It began at 7 p.m., and the mood was meticulously created, with outstanding lighting and a superb orchestra that enhanced the whole performance.
The concert’s core subject was optimism, with many of the songs expressing a strong feeling of faith and including Negro spirituals. These spirituals, which are historically based in the African American experience, exemplify tenacity, endurance, and optimism, and they complement the concert’s theme.
Description
The performance began with two pieces before introducing the evening’s hosts. The Tabernacle Choir performed 11 songs, the Morehouse Glee Club performed two, and the Spelman Glee Club performed three. In addition, they collaborated on six tracks.
The first two pieces were “Alleluia” and “With Joyful Voices Ringing.”
- Alleluia is a German hymn that featured a beautifully unified sound, enriched by the use of percussion bells throughout.
- With Joyful Voices Ringing is an Irish folk song that emphasized the importance of praising the Lord. Its lively tone set the spiritual mood for the evening.
The subsequent nine songs explored a range of genres and languages:
- “How Excellent Thy Name” and “Alleluia” from Saul were powerful praise songs, reinforcing the concert’s religious theme.
- A third “Alleluia,” based on Psalm 150, echoed the earlier hymns, though this version was softer, darker, and imbued with a more contemplative tone.
The international folk songs that followed added diversity to the repertoire:
- Ah El Novio, No Quiere Dinero, an Argentine piece, is a Latino Sephardic wedding song, while Gamelan, an a cappella song from Italy, featured intricate harmonies.
- Cindy, an English/American folk song, incorporated rhythmic clapping and xylophone accompaniment, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere.
The final three pieces, “The Music Everywhere,” “In the Garden,” and “God Be the Glory,” were performed with Broadway actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth. Her commanding voice brought vitality to these closing numbers. Under the direction of Dr. Kevin Johnson and Dr. David Morrow, the Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs delivered powerful renditions that integrated Negro spirituals and classical pieces, creating a harmonious balance between the two musical traditions.
The spiritual selections “Great and Glorious” and “I Ain’t Got Weary Yet” were particularly impactful.
- Great and Glorious is a grand classical composition celebrating the greatness of the Lord.
- I Ain’t Got Weary Yet, a Negro spiritual performed a cappella, was marked by a stirring baritone solo. Its message of perseverance and hope resonated deeply with the concert’s theme.
The Spelman Glee Club’s selections, including Wade in the Water, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, and A Choice to Change the World, were equally poignant. The latter piece, representing Spelman’s ethos, reinforced the notion of individuals using their education and talents to make meaningful changes in the world.
Evaluation
While the concert showcased impressive musical talent, there were moments when the repertoire felt repetitive, particularly with the Tabernacle Choir’s multiple renditions of Alleluia. Though beautifully performed, the repetition slightly diminished the impact. Additionally, the songs performed in other languages, while artistically significant, were at times difficult to comprehend, possibly due to audio clarity issues.
However, the Glee Clubs from Spelman and Morehouse revitalized the concert with their spirited performances. Their incorporation of Negro spirituals, in particular, transformed the mood of the evening and resonated deeply with the audience. The shift in energy was palpable, and the connection between performers and listeners grew stronger as the evening progressed.
Conclusion
Overall, the concert was a wonderful celebration of optimism, combining classical, folk, and spiritual traditions into a unified musical performance. While the Tabernacle Choir laid the groundwork, it was the Glee Clubs, with their moving performances and deep cultural links to Negro spirituals, that actually brought the event to life. The message of endurance and the power of music to inspire hope were eloquently communicated, making an indelible impression on the audience. The artists highlighted how music transcends language and genre, bringing people together around shared experiences of faith and perseverance.
