Mixed Groups - Tudor Choir, The: The Shapenote Album

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Tudor Choir, The: The Shapenote Album

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This CD is a fascinating look at a form of congregational singing from the 18th and 19th century American singing schools. Shapenotes were invented to make it easier for non musicians to sight read music. Each note was given a shape to represent a degree of the musical scale. The harmonies are more often based on 4th and 5ths than 3rds. This gives our modern ears a bit of a shock at first. However, once accustomed to it, it is quite pleasant. The phrasing and dynamics are limited, but this is all part of the style being displayed. The Tudor Choir is a professional mixed-voice group. They have done a masterful job bringing to life a singing style that to many of us is just funny looking notes in a dusty old book. (65:56 1996/2001)

Song List:
Montgomery
Windham
Sweet prospect
China
Soar away
The better land
Weeping Mary
White
Mortality
Eternal day
Heavenly union
Expression
Evening shade
Kedron
Love the Lord
Condescension
All is well
Africa
Traveling on
Happy land
New Jersusalem
Primrose
Hallelujah
Peace and joy
Schenectady