Go Down Moses: Let My People Go
The Jewish biblical story of the Plagues of Egypt resonated with the enslaved and they created songs that related to thisstory of bondage. While the horrific plagues that swept across Egypt are compelling in and of itself, the focus of this piece isrecounted from the perspective of the stubborn Pharaoh, who unwillingly loosens his grip on the enslaved people. Pharaoh!shardened heart is conveyed through two sharp, accented chords. The spirit of God, represented by light, heavenly, metallicsounds from the percussion, signal the beginning of each new plague. Frogs, pestilence, sickness and are not enough to breakthe Pharaoh!s will. It is only with the "Angel of Death”, which takes the life of Pharaoh!s first-born child, represented bydark, brooding harmonies, that he relents in despair. The orchestral texture grows thinner and thinner as Pharaoh loathes inemotional anguish. The once prideful Pharaoh is now broken down to a powerless whimper. I use the Negro Spiritual, “LetMy People Go (Go Down Moses)” as a musical framework throughout this movement.
Go Down Moses: Let My People Go
6 minutes
Wind Band
University of Michigan Symphony Band
University of Michigan
The Jewish biblical story of the Plagues of Egypt resonated with the enslaved and they created songs that related to thisstory of bondage. While the horrific plagues that swept across Egypt are compelling in and of itself, the focus of this piece isrecounted from the perspective of the stubborn Pharaoh, who unwillingly loosens his grip on the enslaved people. Pharaoh!shardened heart is conveyed through two sharp, accented chords. The spirit of God, represented by light, heavenly, metallicsounds from the percussion, signal the beginning of each new plague. Frogs, pestilence, sickness and are not enough to breakthe Pharaoh!s will. It is only with the "Angel of Death”, which takes the life of Pharaoh!s first-born child, represented bydark, brooding harmonies, that he relents in despair. The orchestral texture grows thinner and thinner as Pharaoh loathes inemotional anguish. The once prideful Pharaoh is now broken down to a powerless whimper. I use the Negro Spiritual, “LetMy People Go (Go Down Moses)” as a musical framework throughout this movement.