Negro spiritual music is dated back in history, to the era of slavery in the United States. Men and women of African origin were shipped from their continent to foreign lands. They were taken in as slaves to labor on ranches, farms, factories and as workers in the houses of the hosts. The situation was new to them, and they were angry over this state of living they were introduced to.
This kind of music can be described using a number of characteristics. They were considered to be very religious. Most of them came to the continent practicing different forms of religions. Upon arrival they got introduced to Christianity. Some embraced it out of will, others without choice. The messages in their songs were based on the teachings from this religion, in relation to their state.
The main teachings or messages in their harmony were derived from the various themes. They include: salvation, freedom from bondage and spiritual restoration. When looking at their state of slavery, they wished and longed for some form of freedom. Knowing that they had no control over the situation, they turned to religion and hence composing songs as such for consolation.
The songs were also characterized by a lot of dancing, jumping and shouting. There were sayings that sprung, claiming that these slaves were the most content and joyful people due to this factor. They would sing out loud, clap, shout interjections randomly, and jump all around as if possessed when singing.
Rhythm and tempo are also major characteristics in defining any kind of music. This type was defined by both slow and fast tempos. Each kind expressed a different kind of mood. The somber songs were an expression of their hurt, desolation, bitterness and misery. They were very emotional and even brought them to tears as they sang. The fast beat songs were mainly for entertaining them at work.
The lyrics were also filled with immense emotions. Most of the feelings were just an expression of their inner state. As much as they sang and made joyful noises, they repressed their inner frustrations. This was to release the feeling of despair, and express their state of sorrow and yearning for freedom.
Another reason that led to the composition of these tunes was as a way to relieve the state of boredom among the enslaved people. The workers were confined to their farms. They lived, worked and fed from there. The churches were also in the same place making their routine boring.
The compositions were mostly random and impromptu, as opposed to being composed. They would hold their own religious services. During these sermons, they expressed themselves through the songs. They were mostly a Capella. One person would start off, another would chime in, and this would happen in turns. This is how the songs got composed.
As time progressed the world experienced an end to the era of slavery. These people become part of the normal population without discrimination. The Negro spiritual music also saw growth. It became the foundation of other core genres like blues, hip hop, jazz and gospel music that is very popular.
This kind of music can be described using a number of characteristics. They were considered to be very religious. Most of them came to the continent practicing different forms of religions. Upon arrival they got introduced to Christianity. Some embraced it out of will, others without choice. The messages in their songs were based on the teachings from this religion, in relation to their state.
The main teachings or messages in their harmony were derived from the various themes. They include: salvation, freedom from bondage and spiritual restoration. When looking at their state of slavery, they wished and longed for some form of freedom. Knowing that they had no control over the situation, they turned to religion and hence composing songs as such for consolation.
The songs were also characterized by a lot of dancing, jumping and shouting. There were sayings that sprung, claiming that these slaves were the most content and joyful people due to this factor. They would sing out loud, clap, shout interjections randomly, and jump all around as if possessed when singing.
Rhythm and tempo are also major characteristics in defining any kind of music. This type was defined by both slow and fast tempos. Each kind expressed a different kind of mood. The somber songs were an expression of their hurt, desolation, bitterness and misery. They were very emotional and even brought them to tears as they sang. The fast beat songs were mainly for entertaining them at work.
The lyrics were also filled with immense emotions. Most of the feelings were just an expression of their inner state. As much as they sang and made joyful noises, they repressed their inner frustrations. This was to release the feeling of despair, and express their state of sorrow and yearning for freedom.
Another reason that led to the composition of these tunes was as a way to relieve the state of boredom among the enslaved people. The workers were confined to their farms. They lived, worked and fed from there. The churches were also in the same place making their routine boring.
The compositions were mostly random and impromptu, as opposed to being composed. They would hold their own religious services. During these sermons, they expressed themselves through the songs. They were mostly a Capella. One person would start off, another would chime in, and this would happen in turns. This is how the songs got composed.
As time progressed the world experienced an end to the era of slavery. These people become part of the normal population without discrimination. The Negro spiritual music also saw growth. It became the foundation of other core genres like blues, hip hop, jazz and gospel music that is very popular.
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