Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger

Description

This setting of a timeless American folk tune has been beautifully arranged for String Orchestra by Jamey Ray. Wonderful opportunities for solos and unique harmonies make this work fit for any concert cycle.

Program Notes

“Poor Wayfarin’ Stranger” is an American folk spiritual about a traveler making their way through hardship toward rest and peace. This string setting, adapted from my choral arrangement, uses changing textures and harmonies to suggest that journey is sometimes dark and unsettled, but can also be warm and hopeful. Encourage players to think of the music as one long, sung line: phrases should breathe naturally, with a consistent, supported legato and clear dynamic contrast.

The melody moves around within the ensemble. Being aware of which “voice” should lead is essential to balance within the piece. When the lower strings have the melody, upper strings exist as decoration and should stay out of the way. When the upper strings have the melody, the lower strings should provide a solid foundation of rhythm and harmony.

At times, the harmony leans into tension and dissonance to reflect the struggle in the text. Don’t avoid those colors. Tune them carefully, let them speak, and then let the resolutions feel like release. The piece also includes many “long notes” within the melody. It’s a good opportunity to work on motion within these long notes. Don’t let it become stagnant and boring to the listener, always have motion.