My Lord, What A Mornin’ (arranged 2003)

Recording by Matt Curtis of Choral Tracks

My Lord What A Mornin’ Perusal (PDF) (please feel free to print a complimentary copy for perusal)

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Voicing: SATB (minimal divisi)
Categories: Spirituals
A cappella
Medium difficulty

“My Lord, What A Mornin'” is an arrangement of the famous black spiritual. It reverently sets each chorus that points to the world’s end (and thus complete freedom). Each alternating verse speaks of the coming of Jesus and is set peacefully or with angst depending on the text. After the opening statement, it features a baritone soloist, with the choir joining in as it builds in intensity. In 1833, the world, and certainly the united states witnessed what is likely the most spectacular meteor shower in recorded history. It was reportedly so bright, that one could easily read at night. Accompanying the the religious fervor of the day, which was quite focused on the second coming, this made quite an impression on its witnesses. Many persons (secular and religious alike) the thought the world was ending. Second Advent preachers risked their lives (their message was considered by many slave owners to be promoting liberation for the slaves) and went preaching their message of Christ’s soon return in the Southern States, to both slaves and slave owners. Although it is only educated conjecture, it is entirely possible that this preaching, along with the amazing meteor shower of but a few years earlier, inspired this particular spiritual, where the stars falling and Christ’s return are put together in the text.

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Text (unknown author)

My Lord, what a mornin’,
my Lord, what a mornin’,
oh my Lord, what a mornin’
when the stars begin to fall.

You’ll hear the trumpet sound
to wake the nations under ground,
lookin’ to my God’s right hand
when the stars begin to fall.

My Lord, what a mornin’,
my Lord, what a mornin’,
oh my Lord, what a mornin’
when the stars begin to fall.

You’ll hear the sinner’s moan
to see the righteous marchin’ home,
lookin’ to my God’s right hand
when the stars begin to fall.

My Lord, what a mornin’,
my Lord, what a mornin’,
oh my Lord, what a mornin’
when the stars begin to fall.

-to God alone all glory is given-