"Down in the River to Pray" arr. David Mennicke: Chorus Angelorum Chattanooga

In the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", the traditional gospel song "Down in the River to Pray" accompanies a crucial scene where the characters, including Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete, and Delmar, encounter a group of people being baptized in the river. Delmar, in particular, undergoes this transformative experience, finding redemption for his crimes and renewal in the waters. As the characters witness the baptisms, the haunting harmonies of the song deepen the emotional resonance of the moment, emphasizing themes of spiritual awakening and the search for salvation amidst the trials of life.
This piece was performed as part of a performance of Songs of the Stage and Screen, a collection of (mostly) Acapella pieces from movies and video games such as the Harry Potter series, Frozen, Halo, Henry V, and O Brother Where Art Thou. This collection was performed on February 3rd 2024 at Christ Church Episcopal in Chattanooga, TN and again at Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, Ga on February 4th.

[@randallvanduyn4372]

In spite of my love for Early American Gospel music, I had NEVER heard the song until the film, and I was immediately smitten with it. The film is chock full of wonderful music. You did a great rendition of it, especially when you had a crew member of Starship Enterprise in the gold shirt. He should be thankful it wasn't a red shirt.

[@Jon-ek3rx]

Absolutely amazing. No musical instruments needed. Perfect pitch and tone. The song doesn't need instruments, the singers voices in a
acappalle and it's a feast for for your ears.

[@ritamanley2301]

lovely