Sacred Harp singing is a non-denominational community musical
event emphasizing participation, not performance. Singers sit
facing inward in a hollow square. Each individual is invited to
take a turn “leading,” i.e. standing in the center, selecting a
song, and beating time with the hand. The singing is not
accompanied by harps or any other instrument. The group sings
from The Sacred Harp, an oblong songbook first published in
1844 by B.F.
White and E. J. King. The music is printed in “patent
notes,” wherein the shape of
the note head indicates the syllables FA , SOL
, LA
,
and MI
. The
repertory includes psalm tunes, fuging tunes, odes and anthems
by the first American composers (1770-1810), and also settings
of folk songs and revival hymns (1810-1860). The current
1991
Edition contains many songs in these styles by living composers.
This style of singing stems from singing schools in the colonial period. Preserved in the rural South, Sacred Harp singing (also called fasola singing or shape-note singing) is making a major resurgence in cities and campuses throughout North America and beyond. North Mississippi is fortunate to have traditional all-day singings within easy driving distance. Most singings last from about ten in the morning till three in the afternoon, with an hour break at noon for dinner on the grounds.
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Last modified
5 February 2025
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