Deep River arranged by Jake Muzzy

Folk Music, Intermediate Cellists, Online Purchase
First published on Aug 17, 2026 by Seb
Last updated on Aug 17, 2026 by Seb

Cellist Jake Muzzy recently made sheet music available for some of his arrangements of self-accompanied cello music. Here is his arrangement of Deep River, one of the most significant African American spirituals. The performance comprises four “verses”: first, a single-voice melody; then a version with chords; followed by a higher-octave “duet” with double-stops; and finally, a combination of solo melody and chords with a reprise.

In a separate video, Muzzy expands on the deep connection between the lyrics and the music, one that influenced both his arrangement and his choice of chords. Muzzy also reflects on how the song emerged from the suffering of the African American experience under slavery, noting how profound music can sometimes arise from great suffering.

Listen to a recording of Deep River by Marian Anderson, the prominent Black classical singer who was deeply involved in the struggle for racial equality in America.

You can download the sheet music for these four verses from Jake’s website, Real Concerts. It uses a pay-what-you-want system, with a $1 minimum. Payment is processed through Link, a common third-party online payment system.

Similarly, Jake has made sheet music for Salut d’Amour available as well. See his full commentary in this separate video.

Here is Jake’s double-stop interpretation of Autumn Leaves, or, as he describes it, “in the style of a higher-octave duet.”