Ezekiel Saw the Wheel: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Traditional Spiritual / arr. Greg Gilpin
Item: 00-PO-0006084
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Greg's rhythmic reimagining is just plain fun! An original countermelody is introduced, then layered with some complementary counterpoint, creating a great deal of excitement before the much-anticipated arrival of the familiar traditional spiritual. It's a truly playful and innovative arrangement that two- and three-part groups will adore. “Hey, Zeke!”
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0006084
More about this title
About the Arranger: Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin brings decades of choral conducting and arranging expertise to every project he undertakes. His work has been performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House, and Royal Festival Hall, establishing him as a sought-after voice in American choral music. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press and an ASCAP award-winning composer, Gilpin has shaped the landscape of accessible, engaging choral repertoire for singers at all levels.
Beyond the concert hall, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach into film scoring and producing, including work on the award-winning short film "Rosie's Rescue." He remains active in the recording industry and holds membership in ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, reflecting his commitment to the broader music education community.
Why we love this
Gilpin respects the spiritual's bones while completely reimagining its rhythmic landscape. The original countermelody and layered counterpoint keep young singers engaged and challenged before the familiar tune arrives like a rewarding payoff, making this far more than a straightforward setting of a well-known piece.
What to expect
The arrangement builds with infectious energy, layering rhythmic ideas and counter-melodies that keep listeners off-balance in the best way. When the familiar tune finally arrives, the payoff feels earned and joyful, giving the spiritual a sense of discovery rather than nostalgia.
Who it's for
Two- and three-part choral groups seeking a fresh take on a traditional spiritual that doesn't require extensive experience with complex harmonies. This works equally well in concert, festival, or contest settings where directors want to showcase a piece with both accessibility and genuine compositional creativity.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the rhythmic energy incrementally through the opening sections; the countermelody and counterpoint work best when given room to breathe before the traditional melody enters with full impact.
- Balance the two parts carefully during the layered counterpoint passages so both lines remain clear and neither drowns out the other.
- Let the playful character shine through in ensemble tone choices; this arrangement invites singers to enjoy the musical wit rather than deliver it reverently.
How to use it
Pair this with other spirituals to create a thematic concert set that shows how traditional songs evolve and spark new creativity across generations. Its high-energy nature makes it an excellent closer for a choral concert or a standout festival selection that leaves audiences smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Reading syncopated rhythmic patterns and maintaining accuracy while executing rhythmic counterpoint
- Balancing independent melodic lines within a small ensemble texture
- Developing rhythmic independence and confidence in two-part singing
- Understanding how contemporary arrangers reinterpret and honor traditional material