Angels In Heaven (I Know I Been Changed)

Program Note:

I remember hearing I know I Been Changed in my father's church on a Sunday morning during baptisms. The congregation would surround the pool of water singing this spiritual jubilantly, anxiously waiting for the solemn moment when the parishioner would be submerged. This act was a statement of dedication to a changed life. I was a public display of symbolically burying an old lifestyle in the water and being raised out of the water as a new person. I chose to set this text in a way that is solemn and reverent because of its prayerful nature. I've composed a small musical theme that transforms throughout the piece under a bed of lush harmonies. I invite the audience to sing the final phrase with the performers; just like my experience in my father's church.
-Carlos Simon

I know I've been changed
I know I've been changed
You know that I know I been changed
You know the angels in Heaven done signed my name

I know I've been changed
You know that I know I been changed
You know that I know I been changed
You know the angels in Heaven done signed my name

Well if you don't believe that I've been redeemed you know the
(angels in Heaven done signed my name)
Oh follow me down to that old Jordan stream

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Link to Perusal Score

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