Shape-note (Sacred Harp) music - Nelybel

[Dragonfly]

I'm giving this its own thread, even if it only lasts for five minutes.

Originally posted by Nelybel
Everyone participates, you face one another in a square, its not really meant for audiences, the sound is loud and strong and energetic (at least what I've heard and experienced)and it is an amazingly powerful sound and experience. Very organic somehow.

"Organic"... that's such a great description. I always think of it as singing in its most raw, pure form. The energy that comes from it and seems to flow through everyone is so amazing and powerful.

Have you had a chance to see Northern Harmony or Village Harmony perform, Nelybel? I used to sing with them... it puts a whole new face on performance. We would sing "for" people, but would usually end up with a good many of the audience members on stage, singing with us. Also, if you've not checked out Cordelia's Dad (you probably have), you really should... they've transformed some shape-note songs into more modern music, but still managed to retain the purity of it... mostly in Tim Eriksen's voice (which is one of the most amazing I've ever heard). It's probably a little off topic for your thesis, but worth checking out, nonetheless.

Out of curiosity, do you have a specific focus in your thesis? It's felt to me that southern singing and northern singing have a markedly different feel... but I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on that.

[Nelybel]

So cool - a shapenote singer to talk to. I don't usually read much in this forum but was browsing here for relaxation tonight...and there was my username.

I would love to chat about this. The funny thing is - I'm writing my thesis on this because I'm truly interested...but I really don't know that much about it (hence, the reason for this particular thesis topic. They said 'pick something you're interested in'. So - I did. Not having a background in it is proving a little bit inconvenient.)

I would love to hear some of the Northern Harmony / Village Harmony / Cordelia's Dad stuff. Are there any DVD's? What you have described actually sounds like it would be very pertinant to my topic. My goal in writing this came from my desire to perform Shape note music with more 'typical' (read community, church, school) choirs but to do it with as much authenticity as possible. I didn't know how to begin. So, I'm basically exploring the questions "Since Shape Note singing rises from a unique, distinctive social/cultural context/environment, is it a viable resource for traditional choirs? and - if so, how can you perform S-N music in an authentic way with a traditional choir?" Does that make any sense? I'm still fine-tuning.

What you described about performing has me all excited. Would love to be at one of those concerts. Can you tell me more? Meanwhile, I will do some more digging. I've come across all of the above names but haven't looked too deeply cause I sort of focused on Sacred Harp singers since they are so prevelent and there are groups out here in S. Ca that sing Sacred Harp stuff. My topic leaves room for more variety though. Thanks for the tip. I've read that there are some differences between North and South...now will listen for it.

The first time I heard Shape Note singing my gut contracted and I thought..."*what* is that?. I loved it. Very gut-level reaction. I've only been to one singing...and walking up to the building (we were late) this amazing wall of sound was rolling out and I just started crying. There is just something about it. I agree with you about the "raw, pure form of singing". In a way, it seems quite primal to me. I also love that it comes across so unselfconcious. Just singing for the pure joy of singing. For me, there is just something about singing in groups. I love it.

I guess I should mention, I'm a choir director and am finishing up a DMA in Choral Conducting. Having said that, the more schooling I got, the more I got interested in 'simpler' (for lack of a better term) music. Early music/Folk music etc. Guess I'm somewhat eclectic.

I know this is long and I need to get to bed but some questions for you if I may...

First, please elaborate on your experience singing with Northern Harmony etc.

Second, what do you think about traditional choirs singing shape note? Any thoughts or opinions? In the shape note community, is there any reaction, negative or positive, to other groups attempting the shape note repertoire?

Guess thats enough for now. You made my day! :-> So glad you're here.

J

PS - if anyone else out there wants to jump in....welcome!