What do Shirley Collins, Alan Lomax and American punk rockers have in common?

Answer: a love of American Sacred Harp music

But what is "Sacred Harp"?

In a narrower sense: It is the name of an old book of sacred music that is sung unaccompanied in four-part harmony. But in a broader sense: It is an authentic, American religious folk choral music with ancient British roots, an oasis of "real" singing and musical folk spirituality that is unparalleled in the English-speaking world.

Think Gregorian chant meets Bluegrass. Come and experience this thrilling and vibrant American "folk psalmody", from 18th century English psalm tunes, to early American fuguing tunes, from stunning, pentatonic folk hymns drawing on the traditional repertoire of America's earliest settlers, to the rousing spirituals of the "Camp Meeting" music that was a major forerunner of the Southern Gospel music of the US … all in haunting, beautiful, four-part harmonies. You have to sing it to believe it.

Come to the first (FREE!)
London Sacred Harp Singing School
Sunday 1st June 2008

2.00 pm – 6.00 pm
St. James's Church*, West End Lane, West Hampstead,
London NW6 2AP

*ALMOST DIRECTLY OPPOSITE WEST HAMPSTEAD TUBE

Singing from Sacred Harp, 1991 edition – Loaners available!

Can't sight-read music? Not to worry: YOU WILL (START TO) LEARN IT HERE! The "shape notes" in which this music is written are a device for teaching the uninitiated to read music and sing in four parts.

For further information or to make sure there is space available, e-mail
mischawalker AT aol.com