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About the Composer
Timothy C. Takach
Timothy C. Takach Publications
Keep Your Lamps (TTBB)
A powerful arrangement of the well-known tune is anchored with percussion and soaring solo lines.
TTBB, TB soli, percussion
A new way of looking at the familiar spiritual text and tune. Strong percussion anchors this arrangement as it builds from a quiet, firm opening to an expansive, powerful ending.
Composer’s Notes
When Cantus was putting it’s touring program together for 2009- 2010, we wanted to encore with an arrangement of “Keep Your Lamps.” I was assigned the task of coming up with the arrangement. I stalled at first – who needs another arrangement of “Keep Your Lamps” (besides us, I guess)? As I researched the tune – other verses, slightly different melodies, alternate harmonies – I realized that I had an idea for something that was a true message of hope for all of us, and it was sounding mighty powerful.
In true Cantus fashion, we talked about the new arrangement as I finished it, and it was the group who convinced me to not end after the 4th verse (“Christian, your journey…”) but to add another repeat of the opening lyrics. I’m glad they did! It enabled us to finish by singing in our collective wheelhouses with two wailing solos on top. This SATB version was arranged later, keeping the same feel and structure.
– Timothy C. Takach
Text
Keep your lamps trimmed and a-burning’,
For this ol’ world is almost gone.
Brothers don’t stop prayin’,
This ol’ world is almost gone.
Sisters don’t stop prayin’,
This ol’ world is almost gone.
Christian, your journey soon will be over,
The time is drawing nigh.
Keep your lamps trimmed and a-burning’,
The time is drawing nigh.
– Spiritual
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