Lay my burden down
​for Organ Solo

Lay my burden down is a series of pieces based on African-American spirituals and traditional songs. It features five compositions, each one being based on a particular traditional melody. The collection opens with When I lay my burden down, an energetic, positive and gospel-inspired work. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child is an elegiac and solemn piece, building to a passionate climax before subsiding into a reflective resignation. Amazing Grace is a continuous sequence of jazz/gospel variations on the well-known tune, full of joy and optimism. Steal Away is mostly simple and reflective, the melody sounding over a rocking accompaniment, becoming gradually more intense, then disappearing in the highest register. The final piece in the set is Every time I feel the spirit, a jazzy display piece that develops into a toccata to finish the group.

Movements can be played separately or in any combination.

Total duration: c.24 minutes

Available to purchase from Aria Editions here

Listen to the work here:

1. When I lay my burden down (3'03)
2. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child (4’47)
3. Amazing Grace (6'35)
4. Steal Away (4’46)
5. Every time I feel the spirit (4’38)
​
Recorded on the album Live Wire here