An Introduction to America’s Music

CHAPTER 7 | THE RISE OF TIN PAN ALLEY 175

date: 1867

performers: Harmoneion Singers; Neely

Bruce, director

genre: gospel hymn

meter: duple

form: verse and chorus

Listening Guide 7.2 “Sweet By and By” JOHN P. WEBSTER

timing section text comments

0:00 introduction 4 bars; piano anticipates the main idea

of the verse.

0:12 verse 1 There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

8 bars; men’s voices in unison.

0:40 chorus In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

8 bars; four-part mixed chorus.

Printed repeat is not observed in this

performance.

1:07 verse 2 We shall sing on that beautiful shore

The melodious songs of the blessed;

And our spirits shall sorrow no more,

Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

8 bars; women’s voices in unison.

1:35 chorus In the sweet by and by... 8 bars; four-part mixed chorus. Again,

no repeat.

2:04 verse 3 To our bountiful Father above,

We will offer the tribute of praise

For the glorious gift of His love

And the blessings that hallow our days.

8 bars; men’s voices in unison.

2:31 chorus In the sweet by and by... 8 bars; four-part mixed chorus. Sung

twice. Webster’s score gives the

following direction: “In the repeat,

diminuendo gradually to the end.”

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

• verse-and-chorus format of popular song


• devotional lyrics


• placement of title phrase for easy
  memorability


• vocal harmonies as chorus

CD 1.23

Listen & Refl ect

1. What features, if any, does this gospel hymn share with the music of earlier hymnody,
   such as SHERBURNE, WONDROUS LOVE, or OLIVET (see LGs 3.1–3)?


2. Are there any features shared with antebellum minstrel and parlor songs, such as those of
   Stephen Foster (see LGs 6.2–3), and if so, what are they?

172028_07_162-182_r3_ko.indd 175 23/01/13 10:19 AM