18th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Retaining the Authenticity:
A Comparative Stylistic Analysis of Traditional Negro Spirituals and Contemporary Gospel Music
Harry N. Cecil
Dr. Thomas Hueber, Faculty Mentor
African American religious music has gained popularity in American choral study and practice since the emergence of strong composers and arrangers such as Moses Hogan and William L. Dawson in the latter part of the 20th century. Understanding the different stylistic features of the African American religious genre is imperative for authentic performance technique. A comparative stylistic analysis of both traditional Negro spirituals and contemporary gospel songs, will define the characteristics of both musical styles, leading to a contrite resourceful display of the evolution of spirituals to gospel prominence. I will analyze ten songs from both slavery spirituals and contemporary gospel songs. I will center on the text, instrumentation, focus, form, dynamics, melodic and harmonic features of each selected piece to define the musical influence of spirituals to gospel music.
Keywords: music , Black, spirituals, gospel, analysis, African, American, comparitive
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 3-2
Location: OP 2115
Time: 8:30