Videos
In the summer of 2002, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale was filmed by Romalis Productions/Riddle Films. The resulting documentary, Carry Me Home: The Story and Music of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale continues to be broadcast both nationally and internationally, and went on to win a Gemini award. The documentary has been available on DVD since 2004. One of our Christmas concerts was also filmed, and in 2004 An Indigo Christmas was also released.
In the December 2007 and January 2008, Riddle Films posted several video clips from both productions on YouTube. Some of our favorites are included below.
Abide with Me
A favorite of many current and former Chorale members, this arrangement by Greg Jasperse is transcendent.
Ave Maria
Composed by our namesake, R. Nathaniel Dett, this "Ave Maria" demonstrates that Dett's talent was not limited to arrangements of folk tunes; he was also an accomplished composer in the classical tradition.
Baptism in workshop
One of the joys of singing in the Chorale is having the opportunity to work with founder and Artistic Director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. His vast knowledge of this repertoire - and his passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this music - is inspiring, enheartening and enlightening.
Baptism
Riddle Films shot a few performance videos of favorite songs from our repertoire - including this version of Baptism - as special features for the release of our Christmas CD, An Indigo Christmas.
The Battle of Jericho
This video begins with a clip from the last filmed interview with renowned African-American composer, Moses Hogan. Hogan describes how he used contrasting consonants to create the energy of a battle.
A Carol for All Children
Dr. Adolphus Hailstork is another favorite Afro-American composer, and his pieces are often featured in our touring repertoire.
The Chariot Jubilee in workshop
R. Nathaniel Dett's Chariot Jubilee was an innovative re-visioning of the spiritual repertoire at the time it was composed. Artistic Director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor explains its signficance during the workshop portion of this video clip, which also features a performance excerpt of the much-longer work.
The Chariot Jubilee, with introduction by Ellis Marsalis
One of the mandates of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is to share the richness and variety of Afro-centric choral music with a much broader audience. We are proud to be recognized by such luminaries as jazz legend Ellis Marsalis for our work in this area. This video features another excerpt from R. Nathaniel Dett's oratorio, The Chariot Jubilee.
Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel
An energetic arrangement by Moses Hogan.
I Can Tell the World
Yet another Moses Hogan arrangement.
Is a Light Shinin' in the Heavens?
Robert L. Morris is another of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale's favorite contemporary composers. We love performing music which is rich in complexity, and Morris' work always excites us.
Joy
The Chorale collaborated with the celebrated Canadian diva of blues, gospel and soul, Jackie Richardson, on our Indigo Christmas DVD.
Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveler
Another R. Nathaniel Dett arrangement from our touring repertoire. This video begins with a clip from an interview with beloved Canadian soprano Mary Lou Fallis, a longtime colleague of our founder and Artistic Director, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. Fallis' encouragement and support at the Chorale's inception was unswerving and much-appreciated.
O Holy Lord
R. Nathaneil Dett's "O Holy Lord" is a frequent inclusion in our touring programs.
Silent Night
Canadian jazz legend Joe Sealy is another longtime friend and supporter of the Chorale.
To see more Nathaniel Dett Chorale videos on YouTube, click here.
Buy our Carry Me Home: The Story and Music of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale DVD here.
Buy our An Indigo Christmas Live!: The Nathaniel Dett Chorale in Concert DVD here.
