Installment number three from Cantus’ COVID-19 Sessions recorded live on March 17, 19, and 20.
We programmed Stacey V. Gibbs' arrangement of “Steal Away” for our 2020 spring show, which had focused on journeys by sea. It was part of a set highlighting the forced travel of Africans in slave ships to the United States and their realities after arrival.
Many of us have been moved in our lives by the deep emotionality of traditional spirituals. Some of the richest and most compelling art is borne out of real human tragedy and suffering. Although we at Cantus cannot truly empathize with the enslaved person’s experience, we are grateful to be able to share this beautiful music and remember this terrible history.
From Mr. Gibbs' program notes:
This coded spiritual depicts the trials of slaves while simultaneously communicating opportunities to escape bondage and persecution. It was also a song of hope sung in the working fields and worship services of the oppressed as they longed for freedom and heaven.
"I ain’t got long to stay here,
When my work down here is done an’ my race down here is run,
Then I’ll steal away home.
Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus.
Steal away, steal away home.
I ain’t got long to stay here.
My Lord, he calls me, he calls me by the thunder.
The trumpet sounds within-a my soul.
I ain’t got long to stay here."
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If you would like to learn more about Cantus and the COVID-19 Sessions, visit linktr.ee/cantussings
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“Steal Away,” Traditional Spiritual, arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs. Copyright 2018 by HAL LEONARD LLC. International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.