Gwyneth Walker

The Gospel Ship

for SATB Chorus, Opt. Children's Chorus, and Piano (2014)
for SSA Chorus, Opt. Children's Chorus, and Piano (2012)
for SATB Chorus, Opt. Children's Chorus, and Strings (2014), as part of Gospel Songs
for SSA Chorus, Opt. Children's Chorus, and Strings (2014), as part of Gospel Songs

Return to Gwyneth Walker Music Catalog

Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SSA version) by the Saint Mary's College Women's Choir, Nancy Menk, director.
Download an MP3 file of a performance of this work (SATB version) by The Singers: Minnesota Choral Artists, Matthew Culloton, director.

Download a PDF file of the choral score (SATB version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.

Download a PDF file of the choral score (SSA version) of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.

(Photograph of Gwyneth Walker with pianist Irene Jacobson following the premiere.)

A photo of Gwyneth Walker and Irene Jacobson

Commissioned by Singers Marin in celebration of their 25th concert season, Jan Pedersen Schiff, Founder and Artistic Director. Premiered by Wings of Song and Singers Marin, April 23, 2013, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, California.

The Gospel Ship is a new arrangement of a traditional spiritual. The character of this version is shaped by the lyrics, "I'm gonna shout and sing, until the heavens ring..." For this is a song of celebration. The Gospel Ship (i.e., a vessel of music) transports the singers above earthly troubles, on up to heaven.

Music has the power to overcome daily challenges. The burden is lightened, and the weary road is shortened. Thus, the climax of this work comes with the lyrics, "your journey won't be long if you live a life of song." Indeed, with voices joined together, we shall go "sailing through the air!"

Notes by the composer