This is a straightforward setting for choir and organ/keyboard of an Appalachian carol found by John Jacob Niles (1892-1980). Niles was an American composer, singer, and collector of traditional ballads. He discovered this carol in Mayfield, Kentucky in 1933. Niles was an important influence on the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, with Joan Baez, Burl Ives, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Bob Dylan, among others, recording his songs. During his lifetime he authored several books and collections of songs, recorded several albums, performed both in the U.S. and abroad, and built musical instruments. The John Jacob Niles Center for American Music at the University of Kentucky is dedicated to his many creative activities.
The organ part has also been arranged for both piano 2- and 4-hands. Contact the composer directly at [email protected].