Hard Trials [HL:50490566]

This lesser known spiritual speaks nobly and poignantly of the lifelong heartache and desperation experienced by enslaved Africans in America. In this setting that features a soprano solo, the words of the third verse are those of a nineteenth century woman whose entire life was spent in slavery. The meditative quality of the music creates a pensive atmosphere that is spellbinding. Duration: ca. 5:00.