2003

Shall We Gather At the River?

The River of Life: American Songbook I Song Collection

"Shall We Gather At the River?" is the first song of George Crumb's The River of Life: American Songbook I (2003). The song is for voice, amplified piano, and percussion. The audio recording provided features Thomas Hampson, baritone, and members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The recording is from a live performance at Alice Tully Hall (New York City) on April 29, 2011 and has been used with permission.

Text

Shall We Gather At the River?
by Robert Lowry

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we’ll gather by the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river,
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

Ere we reach the shining river
Lay we every burden down,
Praise our spirits will deliver
And provide our robe and crown.

Shall we gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful, river,
Gather with the saints at the river,
That flows by the throne of God?

Soon we’ll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease,
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Audio

“Shall We Gather At the River?” (from “The River of Life: American Songbook I”)

Thomas Hampson & members of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center9:18

George Crumb

Composer

Robert Lowry

Poet(s)/Writer(s)

2011

Date

Alice Tully Hall

Location

Sheet Music

The River of Life

George Crumb

1. "Shall We Gather At the River?"
2. "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown?"
3. "Amazing Grace!"
4. "Give Me That Old Time Religion"
5. Time is a Drifting River: A Psalm for Daybreak and Morning
6. "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?"
7. "One More River to Cross (Noah's Ark: A Humoresque)"
8. "Nearer, My God to Thee"
9. "Deep River"

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