What a wonderful surprise to find this posting of Sacred Harp Singing so far from its birthplace! The same thrilling sound, the same enthusiastic approach to singing. I love it!
Its musical roots may be traceable to the British Isles, but Sacred Harp became Sacred Harp in America. Now it's spreading all over the place. That's a good thing. Music belongs to the people who make it and love it, wherever they may be.
Look up "shape note" in Wikipedia. The notation was devised in the United States. The tune structures and a number of melodic/harmonic devices such as fuguing do hark back to British practice, I admit. Listen to some West Gallery music.
From an American fan: This is great, but I don't know about 'outsing all others.' Maybe you haven't seen my 'Four Footstompin Shape note Tunes' yet (posted a couple of days ago). But after all, it's not a contest ;) and I'm sure we all wish that the oceans between us didn't prevent our all singing in one big hollow square!
rockin' 142 in the UK! i see some long red pigtails in the altos! can't wait to sing with you in march! -kelly
What a wonderful surprise to find this posting of Sacred Harp Singing so far from its birthplace! The same thrilling sound, the same enthusiastic approach to singing. I love it!
Its musical roots may be traceable to the British Isles, but Sacred Harp became Sacred Harp in America. Now it's spreading all over the place. That's a good thing. Music belongs to the people who make it and love it, wherever they may be.
More!
(or any number of others . . . such as my 'Four Fuguing Tunes,' or the Goshen singings . . .) Check 'em out!
Look up "shape note" in Wikipedia. The notation was devised in the United States. The tune structures and a number of melodic/harmonic devices such as fuguing do hark back to British practice, I admit. Listen to some West Gallery music.
From an American fan: This is great, but I don't know about 'outsing all others.' Maybe you haven't seen my 'Four Footstompin Shape note Tunes' yet (posted a couple of days ago). But after all, it's not a contest ;) and I'm sure we all wish that the oceans between us didn't prevent our all singing in one big hollow square!