Luigi di Ghisallo

Christmas Spiritual

eXplora Grade 2
CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL is a modern gospel rock composition. The piece is started with the African-American spiritual 'Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow', which is also often sung by large gospel choirs in America. Luigi di Ghisallo has adapted the specific sound pattern in style for wind instruments, not forgetting the swinging effects, of course. The second song, 'Go, Tell It on the Mountain' is equally well known. Here the verse can be played instrumentally and the chorus sung in enthusiastic rhythm. The third song, 'Joy to the World' is actually not a spiritual, but taken from Handel's 'Messiah'. This tune is very often performed in a swinging manner, so it makes a great finale for our piece. CHRISTMAS SPIRITUAL can be performed very effectively with a children's or youth choir.