Between the Lines: “Deep River” arr. R. Nathaniel Dett, ed. Marques L. A. Garrett

Deep River

This a cappella arrangement was originally published in The Dett Collection of Negro Spirituals (1936). Share this impressive work with today's choirs in a carefully crafted new edition by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett. The motet-like setting features an unaltered soprano melody that appears with each iteration of the refrain. Accompanying voices are imitative, with an ascending melody to represent the singer's journey to heaven ("home over Jordan"). The publication includes brief background information to provide introductory context about R. Nathaniel Dett, a Black nationalistic composer, educator, conductor, and writer who transformed impressions of Black music during the early twentieth century.

Marques L. A. Garrett

A Virginia native, Marques L. A. Garrett (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor of Music in Choral Activities at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Glenn Korff School of Music. His responsibilities include conducting the auditioned Chamber Singers and non-auditioned University Chorale (soprano-alto), as well as teaching graduate choral literature.

An active conductor, Dr. Garrett serves as a guest conductor or clinician with school, church, community, and festival/honor choirs throughout the country. In addition to his conducting classes at UNL, he leads conducting workshops at other universities and conferences.

As a researcher, his most advantageous topic is the non-idiomatic choral music of Black composers. His lectures at state and regional conferences of the American Choral Directors Association and at other local and national venues afford him the opportunity to showcase this underrepresented area of music.

Learn more about Marques here .

What inspired you to edit the Dett arrangement of Deep River?

“Deep River” was originally released in 1936 in a four-volume set called “The Dett Collection of Negro Spirituals.” Some settings were in the traditional strophic hymn style while others were more expansive. This setting is in the style of a motet with flowing lines. As more people have come to learn of R. Nathaniel Dett and heard one or two recent performances, it became necessary to have this released for all since the 1936 set has been out of print for decades.

What teaching suggestions do you have to share for Deep River ?

Approach this song with an understanding of the history of Negro spirituals—namely, the enslavement of Africans—and the artistic approach of classical choral music.

What message do you have for singers learning this piece?

To the singers, the moving vocal parts are imitating the current of a river. You’re painting a picture and telling a story.

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