Cadence, Harmony, and the “Pentatonic Leading-Tone”

in Harry T. Burleigh’s Spiritual Arrangements

Sam Falotico (Eastman School of Music)

Theorizing African Music Preconference (University of Colorado Denver)

November 8, 2023

Useful Links:

Spirituals discussed in presentation:

  • “Deep River” (from Negro Spirituals, Volume 1) – dominant 9th – SCORE | AUDIO

  • “By an’ By” (from Negro Spirituals, Volume 1) – plagal cadence – SCORE | AUDIO

  • “I stood on de Ribber ob Jerdon” (from Negro Spirituals, Volume 2) – plagal cadence – SCORE | AUDIO

  • “I want to be ready” (from Negro Spirituals, Volume 1) – predominant – SCORE | AUDIO

  • “When de Debble comes ‘round” (from Plantation Melodies Old and New) – predominant – SCORE | AUDIO

If you have any questions, would like to see my script or slides, or would simply like to discuss any aspect of my presentation further, feel free to reach out to me!

PowerPoint Statistics:

  • 37 Slides

  • 194 Animations