Shape Note Fuguing Tunes from The Sacred Harp

Four favorites as sung at the all-day singing in Columbia, Missouri on October 20, 2007. Includes 'Russia' 'Northfield' New Jerusalem' and 'Nativity.' The first 3 of these are of the type known as 'fuguing tunes,' having a refrain in which the various parts enter separately, echoing and 'chasing' each other until they reunite at the end.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Sacred
• Harp
• shape
• note
• singing

[ScottishFiddleLesson]

what are they doing with their hands?

[PLBrayfield]

@ScottishFiddleLesson The singers are beating time along with the leader in the center. It's sort of like tapping your foot to the rhythm of the music, and some do it, some don't. Note that many or most of the singers will take a turn in the center, leading a song of their choice. Also, that since the leader is in the center of a 'hollow square' of singers and not equally visible to all, having the singers beat time along with the leader helps the group stay together as they sing. Why?Tradition!

[kdejong13]

what are the lyrics about to these songs?

[PLBrayfield]

@kdejong13 These songs are all on Christian themes. 'Russia' and 'Nativity' have words that praise God. 'Northfield' and 'New Jerusalem' have words referring to a belief that at the end of time, there is a 'promised day' when it will be as if heaven (the 'new Jerusalem') has come down to earth. The titles are the names of the tunes, not the title to the 'poetry' or words sung to that tune.

[rushiasingsfasola]

@PLBrayfield I think they might have been refering to placing the words on the screen...for those who don't have books to follow along. I love sending my friends to your channel when telling them about the music, this is because you usually do have the lyrics up and they don't come back to ask me "what the hell was that gibber all about?" Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to worry about diction at these sings?!

[PLBrayfield]

@rushiasingsfasola Yes, it's a great way to sing! Without audience, without stuff like not breathing in the wrong places - just get the pitch, feel the music, open your mouth and sing. As to the impression that it's 'gibberish,' I think maybe that comes partly from hearing us singing 'fasola' the first time through & partly from the fuguing parts. The rest, I guess, is that we don't worry about diction.It sure feels great!

[gallusrex]

@rushiasingsfasola Aha!-- I'm pretty sure we know each other, then -- I'm in Philly, too! (Duran Perkins)

[rushiasingsfasola]

@gallusrex currently studying @ Geneva College. 119X was my favorite when my family attended an RP church in Philly. The main difference is that the Sacred Harp tradition is a lot LOUDER! :D

[rushiasingsfasola]

@PLBrayfield I think they might have been refering to placing the words on the screen...for those who don't have books to follow along. I love sending my friends to your channel when telling them about the music, this is because you usually do have the lyrics up and they don't come back to ask me "what the hell was that gibber all about?" Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to worry about diction at these sings?!

[MunchkinGoddess86]

WOW thanks so much!!! this is Just WONDERFUL!