R. Nathaniel Dett & Hall Johnson: Songs

R. Nathaniel Dett was a Canadian-American composer and concert pianist with a degree from Oberlin College. His arrangements of spirituals use the piano to great effect in bringing out the text--he also has an extensive repertoire of choral music. Hall Johnson was a professional violinist/violist who formed many choirs, the most famous of which (the Hall Johnson Choir) sang on over 30 major motion pictures (including several Disney films!). His Ride On, King Jesus should be a staple of the canon.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Dett (click on the titles for score information):

• Follow Me
• Somebody's Knocking At Your Door
• I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Alway

Johnson:

• Ride On, King Jesus

Recorded at The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

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So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Creators & Guests

Host

Ellen Rissinger

So Lit Song Lit Creator & Co-Host

Host

Toni-Marie Palmertree

So Lit Song Lit Co-Host

What is So Lit Song Lit?

This is So Lit Song Lit, where we reimagine the repertoire by introducing less familiar songs through sound clips and lively discussion! Together we’ll be exploring songs by composers that you may or may not have heard of already, showing how they compare to standard works, and giving you a taste of what they sound like. Join us down the rabbit hole as we expand the song canon!