Margaret Bonds: Spiritual Suite

Nathan Cheung performs the complete Spiritual Suite by Margaret Bonds.
On June 2, 1962, the Women's Auxiliary of the Detroit Civic Opera Company, Inc. showcased Margaret Bonds in concert as pianist, composer, and arranger. The Spiritual Suite, comprising The Valley of the Bones (based off the spiritual, "Dry Bones"), The Bells (based off "Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells"), and Group Dance (based off "Wade in the Water"), was one of many works performed on this program. This program can be seen at afrovoices.com/margaret-bonds-....
Only fairly recently did Dr. Louise Toppin reunite these three pieces and create the first publication of the Spiritual Suite. In the editor's note, Dr. Toppin writes the following: "The first and second movements appear in print for the first time. The goal of this publication is to unite the three pieces for future performances as Bonds originally intended. With the publisher, The Center for Black Music Research, I welcome you to a new Margaret Bonds Experience, Spiritual Suite."
0:00 The Valley of the Bones
3:02 The Bells
7:44 Troubled Water
Recorded and edited by Jacob Warren in Auer Hall on June 4, 2022 at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. www.jacobvwarren.com/

[@yoshikoarahata1220]

Beautiful!

[@nathancheungmusic]

Thank you!