Wayfaring Stranger
CLaS Assessment Level: 3.0
Wayfaring Stranger brought-to-you-by ChoirMix is an innovative arrangement of a tried and true folk melody that is over two centuries old. The original song “I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger” written in the late 1700’s, was popular in the Appalachian region of America and known as the original White Spiritual. This version is written in 5/4 and is performed in a gentle swing tempo to give it an uplifting feel of freedom and optimism.
Type of ensemble: This is a SAB arrangement of a historically important spiritual piece written many years ago. The melodic line is shared by all three voices at some point throughout the piece. NOTE: This could easily be performed SA if you do not have boys to cover the baritone part. It would not affect the harmonic movement with just girls voices.
Story line: The lyric line is all about our own journey through this life on earth and looking forward to what lies ahead. It is a sad, forlorn type of piece meant to evoke personal introspective feelings.
Program placement: This piece is quite unique and could easily stand alone on a program. The 5/4 time catches listeners off-guard and will foster a great deal of interest.
Product Includes: Sheet Music * Lyric Sheet * Soprano MP3 * Alto MP3* Baritone MP3 * Piano MP3 * FullMix MP3
Need some Wayfaring Stranger inspiration?
ChoirMix Wayfaring Stranger can actually be sung by all male voices. What?!? Yep. Crazy, we know. But it's true.
Our good friend Pierre Bernard (yes, you probably guessed it--he is French) wanted to prove it could be done. Thanks Pierre.
He sent us his interpretation of the song which we think sounds fab. We particularly like the cute accent which gives it a little je ne sais quoi...
If this is something you'd be interested to do with your all-boys choir, after purchasing the original version listed here, please just email us at info@choirmix.com and we will send you the appropriate score and parts at no extra charge. We'd love to hear how your group develops this tune.
Still not convinced? Ok then, check out Ed Sheeran's version of this timeless classic! We absolutely love the voice layering he does. This is a truly versatile piece and one we hope your group has fun with whatever version they use.
