This collection examines the arrangement of two traditional spirituals for unaccompanied SATB choir. The work serves as a practical resource for choral directors and vocal ensembles seeking specific performance settings of "Deep River" and "Were You There?" arranged by Brian Trant. It provides a standardized musical framework for interpreting these historical compositions within a contemporary choral context.

This publication is recognized by choral educators as a standard arrangement for academic and church choir settings. Practitioners frequently note the accessibility of the vocal parts for amateur ensembles while maintaining the traditional character of the source material.