Exploring Sacred Harp Music: A Living Tradition with Unique Charms

Sacred Harp music is a vibrant and unique form of shape note singing that has been channeled through generations for over 200 years. Originating in New England in the 18th century before spreading to the southern and western parts of the United States, it is a tradition that has managed to survive in various forms, much like a living heirloom. This article delves into the rich history and unique characteristics of Sacred Harp music, its singing methods, and the enthusiastic community it fosters.

The Origins and Development of Sacred Harp Music

Developed by William Smith and Thomas Anxffffff80b2d60Little in New England during the 18th century, Sacred Harp music is a form of shape note singing named after the particular songbook used in the tradition: The Sacred Harp. The book, which has two editions known as the Cooper Edition or “Blue Book” and the Denson Edition or “Red Book”, is a divergent development of the original Sacred Harp published in 1844 by B.F. White. Other similar books like The Christian Harmony and The Shenandoah Harmony exist, but The Sacred Harp remains the most popular and well-known.

The Unique Characteristics of Shape Note Singing

Shape note singing is characterized by its use of a unique notation system that uses shapes to represent syllables. This system, based on four shapes (fa, so, la, mi), helps educate illiterate individuals to sing more effectively. When singing, the lyrics are often omitted in favor of the shapes, allowing the singers to focus solely on the melody. For example, instead of singing "do re mi fa so la ti do," singers repeat the shapes, such as "fa so la fa so la mi." The community of Sacred Harp singers encourages this practice, ensuring the tradition's enduring charm and simplicity.

The Polyphonic Wonders of Sacred Harp

What sets Sacred Harp music apart is its polyphonic nature, a rare feature in modern music. Unlike modern choral harmony, Sacred Harp singing features four distinct melodic lines that interweave to create a rich, layered sound. The singers are divided into four sections: bass, tenor, alto, and treble, who sit facing each other in a hollow square formation. Tenors sing the main melody, while the other sections provide harmonies. This structure, known as fuguing, is a key element of the music, where different sections of the songs enter and exit at different times, creating a complex and engaging musical experience. This method, although challenging, results in a wonderfully unique and captivating sound.

A Living Tradition

Sacred Harp music is considered a living tradition that has remained vibrant and intact for over 200 years. Through "singing schools," held by 'singing masters,' individuals were taught to read and sing shaped notes, replacing older 'call and response' singing methods. Over the years, the tradition spread from New England to the southern and western parts of the United States. Despite the rise of more modern, scientifically based music, Sacred Harp music survived in rural southern churches, thanks in large part to the work of folklorist Alan Lomax. His preservation efforts, along with subsequent folk music revivals, have led to an international resurgence of interest in Sacred Harp music, with groups forming in Poland, Germany, the UK, and Australia.

The Structure and Experience of Sacred Harp Sings

The experience of attending a Sacred Harp sing is both rigorous and rewarding. Participants gather early in the morning, with a greeting and prayer to start the day. Cards are filled out by those who want to lead, and as the sing progresses, leaders call out the songs they wish to sing by page number. The music is pitched by "veterns" in the front row, and the pace is set by the leader, who sways their arm to indicate the tempo. The day follows a strict schedule, with breaks for coffee, lunch, and dinner on the grounds, a hallmark of Southern hospitality. Each sing typically lasts from 10AM to 4PM, with a final business meeting at the end to thank organizers, choose the chairman for the next year, and annouce the number of songs sung and leaders for the day.

The Sacred Harp Community

The Sacred Harp community is known for its inclusivity, warmth, and hospitality. People from all walks of life, ranging from young college students to urban hipsters, gather to sing, share meals, and celebrate this unique musical tradition. The sense of community is strong, with singers supporting each other and welcoming new members. Attention to detail in the singing, including the complex fuguing and the ability to read from the four-line verses, is encouraged and practiced, ensuring the tradition remains vibrant and alive. The community's trust and openness are evident in the way singers travel long distances to attend sings, live in host homes, and support one another.