The upbeat gospel song, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, is one of the most popular and widely performed gospel songs of all time. It is often used for church services, concerts, and other large events. It has even been featured in several movies, including the classic musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
The origins of the song are not certain, but it is believed to have been based on an old spiritual. It began to emerge in the 1920s, becoming known as the “Saints Go Marching” song. During the 1940s and 1950s, the song became a staple of gospel choirs and was popularized by the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and others.
The song is most often performed as a piano accompaniment, with either a soloist or a group of voices singing the lyrics. While some soloists have used a muted or stopped guitar accompaniment to create a jazzy feel, the piano is the most common and traditional choice of accompaniment.
The piano accompaniment to “When the Saints Go Marching In” often begins with an introduction, which sets the feel and tone for the rest of the song. This is usually a simple vamp, with a few chords being repeated over and over again. This intro is often followed by a solo piano improvisation which sets up the main themes of the song.
The main melody of the song is often played in a swing rhythm, with chords being used to create momentum and dynamic range. The song may also use eighth note accompaniments, or a similar style of syncopation. The lyrics may also be included during this section.
The bridge of “When the Saints Go Marching In” is a unique and challenging part of the song for piano players. It is usually an octave section, where both hands are used to fill in bass and melody lines in fast-paced syncopation. The bridge is often followed by a coda section where variations on the main melodic themes are played.
Finally, the song closes out with a return to the main melody, along with a few more variations. During this ending, a fast-paced piano vamp is usually present, which is also used for soloists to improvise with.
The classic gospel song “When the Saints Go Marching In” is a timeless classic. With its simple yet powerful melody and variety of rhythmic accompaniments, this song has been performed in churches, on the radio, and even in movies. Learning to play it on the piano can provide the player with challenging opportunities to practice and develop their skills.