Steal Away: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Anton Dvorak / Arranged by John Leavitt
Item: 35-PK00192160
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Description
John Leavitt has taken a familiar melody and paired it with an earnest and pleading lyric to create this moving anthem. The English Horn part adds to both the listening and singing experience. Duration: ca. 5:20.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00192160
More about this title
About the Composer: Anton Dvorak
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was a Czech composer who fundamentally expanded the musical language of his time by weaving folk idioms and nationalist themes into symphonic and chamber works. His influence on American music proved particularly significant during his years as director of the National Conservatory in New York (1892-1895), where he encouraged American composers to draw from their own cultural traditions, including spirituals and Native American music.
Dvořák's melodic gift remains unmatched among Romantic composers. His themes possess an immediacy and emotional directness that translates powerfully across genres, from intimate string quartets to large choral works. This accessibility, combined with his sophisticated harmonic language, makes his music ideal for educational settings where students encounter both beauty and structural clarity.
Why we love this
John Leavitt's arrangement honors the spiritual's inherent dignity while the English Horn creates a warm, introspective sound that lifts this arrangement beyond typical spiritual settings. The familiar melody becomes newly affecting when paired with Leavitt's harmonic choices and the earnest text, giving your singers material that feels both accessible and substantial.
What to expect
A quiet conversation overheard in dim light. The melody carries centuries of longing and resilience, while Leavitt's arrangement wraps it in gentle, contemporary harmonies that feel both respectful and freshly considered. The English Horn speaks as a second voice in dialogue with the singers, creating an intimacy that invites listeners to lean in.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a sacred work that honors the spiritual tradition while offering musical sophistication beyond the typical arrangement. The instrumentation and length make it suitable for concert settings, worship services, or commemorative programs where depth and reflection are priorities.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the English Horn line carefully in rehearsal so it functions as a emotional voice rather than doubling or overwhelming the choir. Work out the blend in isolation first, then layer singers back in gradually.
- Shape the lyric with the pleading quality the arrangement suggests; this isn't a triumphant spiritual but an intimate prayer. Encourage singers to find vulnerability in their tone rather than volume.
- Pay attention to the five-minute twenty-second duration by establishing a warm but purposeful tempo that sustains engagement without rushing the emotional arc.
How to use it
Pair this as a centerpiece in a concert exploring spirituals and American sacred music, or use it as a powerful closing anthem in worship settings. Its moderate length and reflective character make it an excellent complement to longer choral works, offering variety in mood and instrumentation without requiring extensive rehearsal time.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing choir tone with solo instrumental lines
- Finding vocal vulnerability and emotional restraint
- Shaping lyrical content in devotional music
- Sustaining legato singing across longer phrases