Steal Away: Woodwind Quintet Score & Parts

The arrangement honors the spiritual's quiet dignity and emotional power. The traditional chorale framework creates a sense of stillness and reverence, while the moving bassoon line adds subtle forward motion that keeps the piece from feeling static, giving it just enough musical architecture to reward careful listening.

Woodwind quintets at the easy-medium level who want meaningful repertoire that doesn't demand advanced technical skills. This works well for groups preparing for competitions or festivals, as well as for recital programming where you need a piece with real substance but rehearsal-friendly complexity.

• Bring out the lyrical quality by allowing the melody line to breathe at phrase endings; resist the urge to rush through the chorale-style harmonic progression.
• Balance the moving bassoon lines so they support without overwhelming the higher voices, especially in passages where the bassoon adds harmonic motion.
• Use consistent vibrato across the quintet to unify the chorale texture and reinforce the spiritual's contemplative character.
• Take time in rehearsal to discuss the spiritual's historical context and message; performers will naturally shape the phrasing with greater intention once they understand what they're conveying.

Program this alongside other sacred or traditional works to create a thematic concert segment, or use it as a closing piece where its contemplative nature can settle with an audience. Its modest technical demands make it suitable for mid-season programming when you're developing ensemble cohesion.

• Balancing chorale-style harmonic voices
• Sustaining lyrical phrasing without rushing
• Supporting an inner voice (bassoon) that carries melodic interest
• Interpreting spiritual tradition with stylistic awareness
• Blending vibrato and tone color across five different instruments