The Transformative Power of Traditional Spirituals in "Spiritual Sketches" by Damien Sneed: A Study of Musical Influence and Cultural Heritage

This doctoral project aims to comprehensively study Damien Sneed's life, work, and legacy by examining his musical career, the themes and inspirations that inform his art, and the impact he has had on classical music. Through a detailed analysis of compositions “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” “Deep River,” and “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” from Damien Sneed's "Spiritual Sketches," this study will shed light on how Sneed incorporates this important cultural and musical tradition into his compositions in an innovative way. This dissertation will explore the roots of the traditional spiritual, examine its significance during the Black Renaissance, and analyze the compositional styles of both H.T. Burleigh and Damien Sneed. By comparing their approaches, it seeks to highlight the importance of preserving the traditional spiritual and its continued relevance in contemporary classical music.