RTV repertoire catalog

Ezekiel Saw the Wheel - Level 2a Showtime Hymns - pg. 22-23

ID 813 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 1 · Points 160

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Collections: Level 2a - Showtime Hymns

“Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” is a Level 2A piano arrangement of a traditional spiritual. It is written in G major and 4/4 time, with an energetic character. The music uses accented chords, repeated rhythmic patterns, simple left-hand accompaniment, short vocal-style phrases, held notes, and a final high-register effect. The arrangement keeps the call-and-response feeling of the spiritual while placing it in a clear beginner-friendly piano texture.Measures 1–3 introduce the opening accompaniment pattern. The right hand plays accented held chords while the left hand moves underneath with a repeated bass pattern. This creates a strong rhythmic start before the lyrics enter.Measures 4–12 present the first main section of the song. The melody begins with “Ezekiel saw the wheel” and continues through the “way up in the middle of the air” phrase. The right hand carries the melody while the left hand supports it with simple bass notes and held tones.Measures 13–18 move into the “big wheel” and “little wheel” section. The melody continues in the right hand, while the left hand keeps the steady accompaniment underneath. This section includes longer held notes and gives the middle of the piece a broader sound.Measures 19–21 complete the final lyric phrase, returning to “way in the middle of the air.” The music settles briefly before the final accented return of the opening idea.Measures 22–24 form the closing section. The accented chord pattern from the beginning comes back, and the right hand moves into 8va writing before the final accented chord.Interesting fact: “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” is an African American spiritual based on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision in the Bible. It was also part of the early performing repertoire of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the 1870s.How to earn points for this piece:Download or purchase the sheet music.Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice, we will let you know what to work on and provide additional practice suggestions. You may also submit your video publicly so other users can evaluate it.If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.