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Cantus
Jewett (SSA)
R.F.M. Mann, arr. Aaron Humble
A visceral and powerful statement of “Amazing Grace” in Shape Note style singing.
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Jewett
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Jewett
SSA a cappella
In an arrangement that stays true to the origins of Shape Note Singing, Aaron Humble has kept the visceral chords that embody the powerful sound and has made small adjustments to keep the parts in comfortable ranges for all voices. “Jewett” is a well edited and engraved score of classic Americana, and offers a new way for you and your singers to experience the classic “Amazing Grace” text.
Composer’s Notes
If you grew up singing hymns out of a hymnal, you might have an inkling that there are some texts that appear with a variety of tunes. Most of our beloved hymn texts and tunes are now joined in a nearly-unbreakable union, we are no longer accustomed to the idea of text and tune as separate entities. Early in the development of American hymnody, it was quite the opposite. Early singing books contained a variety of metric tunes that could be used for any text written in the same meter. To simplify this, tunes and texts were given meters based on beats or syllable counts, respectively. “Amazing Grace” is in Common Meter (8.6.8.6) and can be sung to any tune in common meter. For “Jewett,” R.F.M. Mann adds a refrain to the familiar text by John Newton. The more familiar tune New Britain first appeared in 1829, but not until 1835 was it set to the Amazing Grace text. This arrangement uses the often omitted final verse, which paints a stark picture of the end of the Earth as we know it.
If you have never heard an authentic Shape Note performance, I’d encourage you to seek out a recording. The sounds is powerful and visceral. It’s a full body singing experience. When Cantus started singing this repertoire, we cultivated a bright, buzzy, and vibrant tone that accentuated the open harmony but never fell victim to becoming parody. Dig in, explore new sounds, and enjoy a style of singing that has endured the test of time.
-Aaron Humble
Text
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Refrain:
Shout, shout for glory,
Shout, shout aloud for glory;
Brother, sister, mourner,
All shout glory, hallelujah!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be;
As long as life endures.
Refrain
The earth will soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below;
Will be forever mine.
Refrain
– John Newton
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