He's Got The Whole World

Grade Level 4

Year: 1994

Type: Bb/C Solo

Composer: James Curnow

Program Notes:

Based on the traditional American spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”, this little capriccio features a musical dialogue between the soloist and the accompanying ensemble.  In the opening scherzando, the soloist is featured on fast-moving energetic melodies that are based on melodic intervals taken from the spiritual.  In the slow and expressive middle section, the soloist first presents the melody, then accompanies the ensemble’s rendition of the spiritual while playing the theme from the opening scherzando.  The entire piece works together to remind us of the fact that God does care for and watch over each of us.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)