Beautifully written arrangement of the traditional tune and text. Flowing accompaniment is made even more appealing with the addition of violin obligato throughout.
Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Updated
Anthem Information
Composer
Publisher
Season
Voicing
Year Published
Ordering Information
Catalog No.
24-96320
Editor review
1 review
Gloriously-written arrangement of spiritual
(Updated: June 21, 2013)
Overall rating
4.8
Choral Integrity
5.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
5.0
Audience Response
4.0
I am admittedly biased toward this piece because I have known the composer for almost thirty five years when we worked together at First Baptist San Antonio (when we were both in our 20s). A superb accompanist - organist and pianist - this is Mary Ann's first attempt at publishing a choral anthem. We hope it will not be her last.
For reasons not totally definable, students adore this piece and want to sing it every time they rehearse. The melody is, of course, haunting and contagious, but the accompaniment adds to its beauty and appeal for the young voice. Ranges are perfect for students. Surprisingly, the students truly relate to the text, which might at first glance may seem more fitting for senior adults. The addition of the 2/4 measures throughout is a stroke of genius, for they allow the lines to "play out" and "breathe" without feeling rushed. YouthCUE's orchestration, written by C. L. Bass, is as rich as the anthem it accompanies. Together - gentle, powerful dynamite.
"Wayfaring Stranger" is a great anthem, particularly in the Festival setting, but also for individual choirs, combined choirs (with adults), and in a variety of other settings. As is typically the case, good music often finds usage in many types of venues and groupings.
For reasons not totally definable, students adore this piece and want to sing it every time they rehearse. The melody is, of course, haunting and contagious, but the accompaniment adds to its beauty and appeal for the young voice. Ranges are perfect for students. Surprisingly, the students truly relate to the text, which might at first glance may seem more fitting for senior adults. The addition of the 2/4 measures throughout is a stroke of genius, for they allow the lines to "play out" and "breathe" without feeling rushed. YouthCUE's orchestration, written by C. L. Bass, is as rich as the anthem it accompanies. Together - gentle, powerful dynamite.
"Wayfaring Stranger" is a great anthem, particularly in the Festival setting, but also for individual choirs, combined choirs (with adults), and in a variety of other settings. As is typically the case, good music often finds usage in many types of venues and groupings.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Teaching possibilities at every turn. Gorgeous anthem.
Cons
Students will need encouragement to keep their tuning intact throughout. However, it is not inherently out of tune as some anthems seem to be.
RE
User reviews
1 review
Beautiful arrangement
Overall rating
4.8
Choral Integrity
5.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
5.0
Audience Response
4.0
I like this piece, but when I prepared my youth choir on this piece for a YouthCUE festival, I didn't think they were going to enjoy singing it. My, how wrong I was! The students loved learning and performing this piece both at the festival and in our church. At the end of the year, many of the students said it was their favorite. It is a great teaching piece of proper vocal technique. It also is a great piece on which to center a spiritual discussion. The students relate to the text. If the choir sings musically, it will be stunning!
CK
Clinton Kimmel
