Renowned mezzo soprano Kimball Wheeler joins three accomplished musicians based at Christ the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Colonia Bugambilias to present a concert of religious songs Sunday, November 8 at 6 p.m.
Pianist Betty Rodriguez will team up with Wheeler, the church’s music director Paul Fisher (bass-baritone) and his daughter soprano Amanda Fisher for the free hourlong program.
“Bring your Mexican friends because the songs are in both English and Spanish,” Rodriguez says.
“The reactions of Mexicans to Negro spirituals is usually incredible,” says Wheeler. “I’ve performed this music, such as ‘Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?’ all over the world with the Roger Wagner Chorale. When we did that one, you could hear a pin drop. And, by the way, the correct term is ‘Negro spirituals.’ The black culture takes great pride in this music and they resent it when it’s not called that.”
Wheeler said Negro spirituals are the antecedents of gospel music and come from the era of U.S. slavery. “I’ve been told that the reason the slaves embraced Christianity so passionately is that the religion in west Africa, where most of them came from, had no afterlife. The slaves worked in horrendous conditions and so there was a yearning for something better.
“Among the few pleasures slaves were allowed were going to church and singing. But they weren’t permitted drums or dancing. So they compensated by creating a very rhythmic music with clapping.
“Also, the songs often contained code language that helped them escape on the Underground Railway to safe places, mostly north of the Ohio River. In the spirituals, you hear a lot about the Jordan River, like ‘the Jordan River is chilly and cold.’ That probably referred to both the Jordan River and the Ohio River. And when they mention getting on board the Gospel train, they are probably also talking about a real train.”
Wheeler will sing the spirituals solo, accompanied by Rodgriguez, except for one a cappella song.
Among the Spanish songs performed by the group will be “Tuyo Soy” (I Am Yours) and “Iluminame, Señor” (Engligten Me, Lord). The foursome will also perform a romantic arrangement of the Lord’s Prayer by Albert Hay-Malotte (1935), “probably the most famous setting of the Lord’s Prayer in English,” Wheeler said
A contemporary gospel song “My Tribute” by Andrae Crouch will also be performed, along with the well known Shaker song “Simple Gifts.” In addition, there will be hymns with verses alternating between English and Spanish.
Christ the Redeemer Presbyterian Church is located at Callejon del Iris 45 off Cto. De Las Flores N., in Colonia Bugambilias (on Guadalajara’s south side, off Lopez Mateos outside the Periferico). (33) 3684-5448.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|