Track Listing

1. Deep River
2. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
3. Roll, Jerd'n, Roll!
4. Go Down, Moses
5. Crucifixion
6. Sometime I Feel Like A Motherless Child
7. Let Us Break Bread Together
8. Plenty Good Room
9. Every Time I Feel De Spirit
10. If He Change My Name
11. O What A Beautiful City!
12. Nobody Knows The Trouble I See
13. Hear De Lam's A-Cryin'
14. My Lord, What A Morning
15. Were You There?
16. On Ma Journey
17. De Gospel Train
18. Soon-a Will Be Done
19. Sinner, Please
20. Honor, Honor
21. Ride O, King Jesus
22. Poor Me
23. Hold On!
24. My Soul's Been Anchored In The Lord
25. Hard Trials
26. Dere's No Hidin' Place Down Dere
27. Trampin'
28. City Called Heaven
29. Lord, I Can't Stay Away
30. Heaven, Heaven

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19807 in Music
• Released on: 1999-01-12
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
This reissue of 30 spirituals that were originally recorded between 1936 and 1952 presents the legendary Marian Anderson at her peak. Her unique vocal characteristics are everywhere in evidence: the incredible range, the ability to change color and inflection, sometimes creating the illusion of two different voices, and the organ-like resonance and enveloping warmth. There are also traces of Anderson's one weakness: a slightly tremulous vibrato. Her expressive response to this repertoire, always simple, direct, and deeply felt, came from the heart and spoke to the heart. The songs, mostly familiar favorites, are selected for maximum variety. Anderson brings out every nuance of their character and emotional range, from lamenting to swinging, jazzy, and triumphant. Franz Rupp, Andersons's long-time partner whom she credited with introducing her to German lieder, is equally at home in the many styles of these American songs. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews

Revelation
There is much to admire in this CD; despite the fact that these recordings were made in the 1930's the striking vocal color and the famous low notes are represented in beautiful sound. What appeals to me most is the unaffected artistry of the singer: she simply does not hide in her craft. Such pure and naked music-making is striking. This is singing completely free of mannerism. How rare a quality this is!
I am especially attracted to "Change my name", where the singer's identification and connection to the music seem indivisible.
The extraordinary courage and strength of the famous contralto Marian Anderson are manifest in her singing of these spirituals. I prefer it to the later recording done in Living Stereo, though I recommend that recording as well.
Do not hesitate to buy this.

"Spirituals" CD
Marian Anderson communicates with the incredible voice God gave her. Her suffering amid segregation indignities did not destroy or cripple her; instead, it magnified her beauty inside and out. What a privilege to listen to her sing these spirituals.

Brilliant voice, perhaps too heavy for all tastes
Like many of my generation, I know Marion Anderson more in a historical than a musical context. I wanted to get to know her for what she was best known for--a strong woman with a strong voice.

The recordings are well preserved and I'm glad I've listened to them, but I'm afraid her contralto will continue to take time for these ears to grow into. I'm a product of sopranos, and I have to learn to listen with new ears.