Come, Sweet Freedom - MVSR3432 | Music

"Come, Sweet Freedom" is based on the folk song "All My Trials" which is particularly well-known in Africa and America. Its origins are unclear, but due to its biblical-religious content it was categorised as a spiritual. The lyrics describe the harsh reality of slavery and mention death as the only way out of chains and suffering and towards peace and freedom. In the song’s most famous verse, a mother sings to her little child: “Hush little baby, don’t you cry. You know your mama's bound to die. All my trials, Lord, soon will be over.” Based on this haunting message, the American composer James L. Hosay chose the title "Come, Sweet Freedom" for his very personal and touching arrangement of the well-known classic. But the piece is far more than just an arrangement. Based on a dialogue between oboe and clarinet, Hosay develops a moving chorale fantasy that expresses the music’s deeply sad yet hopeful message in a special way.