Many time, individuals go through tests and moments of conflict that inevitably make them stronger. The surroundings are so very important when it comes to survival. Qualities of strength and courage often blossom in moments of adversity. Negro spirituals came about at a time when slaves needed a glimmer of hope and inspiration in order to make it through times of hardship.
These songs are so exquisite because they are the first types of unique music to come out of America. When slaves demonstrated their songs that were filled with sorrow and hardship, all other music had to take a back seat. During those times, slaves were considered to be soulless animals. Since examples of slavery were found in the Bible, many took it as an opportunity to do what seemed right in their eyes. Slaves were not taught to read or write due to fear of them rebelling. Music became their source of refuge.
Days filled with turmoil and long hours ruled their lives. All they had left to lift their spirits was the inspiration found in music. It helped to make the long days go by just a little bit faster. No one really paid attention to the words like the slave. It was in the lyrics that the hope for a better live became evident.
These songs of spirituality became an enforcer of faith, a foster of hope, and an internal belief that things would not always stay the same. Even though their lives were filled with rules and regulations, they would hold on to singing songs of encouragement. Usually these songs were derived from hymnals they heard outside of churches. These songs were developed into into what is known today as folk poetry.
Many slaves were exposed to music during the early 1800's that were from underprivileged whites who went to camp meetings. Evangelists from the Methodist and Baptist Churches preached messages that dealt with hope and salvation. These sermons were so closely tied to the longing that the slaves felt for freedom. However, singing about freedom at that time was a criminal act for the slave, therefore they often made the phrases ambiguous and understandable by the slave.
The Bible became their main source of hope. They learned to identify with its characters; especially those who faced adversity. Individuals like Jesus, David, and the Jews as a nation, offered feelings of comfort and hope to the slave. They too had to wait on their deliverance so that they could be triumphant over their enemies. Hopes of redemption rang in the hearts of the slave as they faced their own troubles. They believed in their hearts that if God can deliver a nation, certainly he would be able to deliver them out of their situation. Negro spirituals became a source of escape to their promise land of freedom.
Negro Spirituals were usually categorized into three types. These were "Deep River, " Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, " and "Balm in Gilead." These songs revealed the deep desire for change and the endless feelings of despair. There were other songs that were bold in their cry for freedom such as, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Every song was symbolic of the slave's quest for freedom.
It was in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, that the first collection of Negro spirituals was published. They were ignored at first by popular music magazines, but were brought to life by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Over time, they became the greatest musical contribution to the world.
These songs are so exquisite because they are the first types of unique music to come out of America. When slaves demonstrated their songs that were filled with sorrow and hardship, all other music had to take a back seat. During those times, slaves were considered to be soulless animals. Since examples of slavery were found in the Bible, many took it as an opportunity to do what seemed right in their eyes. Slaves were not taught to read or write due to fear of them rebelling. Music became their source of refuge.
Days filled with turmoil and long hours ruled their lives. All they had left to lift their spirits was the inspiration found in music. It helped to make the long days go by just a little bit faster. No one really paid attention to the words like the slave. It was in the lyrics that the hope for a better live became evident.
These songs of spirituality became an enforcer of faith, a foster of hope, and an internal belief that things would not always stay the same. Even though their lives were filled with rules and regulations, they would hold on to singing songs of encouragement. Usually these songs were derived from hymnals they heard outside of churches. These songs were developed into into what is known today as folk poetry.
Many slaves were exposed to music during the early 1800's that were from underprivileged whites who went to camp meetings. Evangelists from the Methodist and Baptist Churches preached messages that dealt with hope and salvation. These sermons were so closely tied to the longing that the slaves felt for freedom. However, singing about freedom at that time was a criminal act for the slave, therefore they often made the phrases ambiguous and understandable by the slave.
The Bible became their main source of hope. They learned to identify with its characters; especially those who faced adversity. Individuals like Jesus, David, and the Jews as a nation, offered feelings of comfort and hope to the slave. They too had to wait on their deliverance so that they could be triumphant over their enemies. Hopes of redemption rang in the hearts of the slave as they faced their own troubles. They believed in their hearts that if God can deliver a nation, certainly he would be able to deliver them out of their situation. Negro spirituals became a source of escape to their promise land of freedom.
Negro Spirituals were usually categorized into three types. These were "Deep River, " Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, " and "Balm in Gilead." These songs revealed the deep desire for change and the endless feelings of despair. There were other songs that were bold in their cry for freedom such as, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Every song was symbolic of the slave's quest for freedom.
It was in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, that the first collection of Negro spirituals was published. They were ignored at first by popular music magazines, but were brought to life by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Over time, they became the greatest musical contribution to the world.
About the Author:
The related website at www.calvinearl.com provides useful information on negro spirituals that people require for their needs. Get all the details by visiting our homepage http://www.calvinearl.com right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment