Filter

African American Spirituals

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating

$12.00

Scroll down to listen.

Kathleen Blackwell-Plank’s collection of African American Spirituals includes four traditional arrangements for solo lever or pedal harp. An optional vocal part is also written into each arrangement. Historical notes add to the understanding of these powerful pieces. Scroll down for contents and more information.

This collection is available as a PDF download for $12.00.

Pages to print: 19 pgs.

Duration: 16:30

Description

I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Steal Away
Guide My Feet

Listen

Note from the arranger

“I’ve Got Peace Like a River,” is in cut time and utilizes occasional rolled chords and arpeggios.

“Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” is in 4/4 time. Before playing, D# III and D# IV levers are set and do not change during the piece. The piece uses occasional rolled chords, arpeggios, and glissandi. In measure forty-two, the crescent moon symbol with the number 2 above it indicates that the glissando is played by the back of the second fingernail of the right hand (with the finger pointing back toward the player). The “f” at the bottom of the glissando is plucked by the second finger of the left hand.

“Steal Away” is in 4/4 time and there are no lever changes. The piece uses occasional rolled chords and a glissando, marked with the crescent moon symbol that is played by the back of the second fingernail of the right hand in measure seventy-six. The “f” at the bottom of the glissando is plucked by the second finger of the left hand. To imitate the sound of trumpets the technique of près de la table (playing near the soundboard) is utilized.

“Guide My Feet” is in 4/4 time. The piece uses occasional rolled chords.

Additional information

Instrumentation	Harp Solo, Harp and Voice
Genre	Folk-Traditional, Sacred
Composer	Traditional
Artist	Blackwell-Plank, Kathleen
Level	Intermediate
Harp Type	Lever Harp
Nationality	North American
Collection	Collection
Occasion	Church

Reviews (1)

1 review for African American Spirituals

Rated 5 out of 5

Nanette de Andrade (verified owner) – January 31, 2026

The intro pages with a bit of history and technique were an added bonus. The selections are creative and harp-loving, with arpeggios, glisses and special techniques. No lever issues. I’m sharing these with my congregation for sure!