5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Traditional Sacred Harp shaped note singer, July 7, 2000
This review is from: White Spirituals From the Sacred Harp (Audio CD)
Sacred Harp music is authenicately American. The shaped notes are intended to allow individuals who do not read music to read the Sacred Harp music. It also allows the individual pitching the music to move the music into the range of the singers rather than using a true pitch. The melody is in the tenor line which is sung by both genders. The music has an open harmony - altos may float above sopranos or below tenors for example. The beat is strictly kept and there is little variation in volume - this is not your standard choral music.
The hymn tunes used are traditional - you will recognize some of them. The words are traditional - heavy into the Isaac Watts and company hymns.
While I'd always recommend standing in the center of a singing group as an introduction to this tradition, this album is an acceptable second choice. With any luck it will make you want to sing the music as well.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
unbelievably beautiful, July 14, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: White Spirituals From the Sacred Harp (Audio CD)
As strange as Eno, as powerful as Van Morrison. Impossible to describe.Add to the list of proofs for the existence of God. Whoopee!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!, October 24, 1999
This review is from: White Spirituals From the Sacred Harp (Audio CD)
If you're used to regular choral singing, this will sound rather strange at first. But it will grow on you. This is a powerful album.
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