Harry burleigh sang numerous spirituals to during the composerâs tenure at the national conservatory of music.

He sang spirituals to Antonin Dvorak. At that period, Dvorak was in charge of the orchestra at the National Conservatory which had African –American men from St.Philips as part of it. Burleigh played the double bass and the tympani and assisted Mr. Antonin Dvorak. Both men developed a great relationship. Burleigh having learnt old plantation songs from his grandmother, which were later regarded to as spirituals, would sing to Mr.Antonin Dvorak after supper when Dvorak was tired.