Music of the Colonial Period

Hymnody

The singing of hymns, which are religious songs of praise that reflect personal devotion and are more freely composed.

Psalmody

The singing of psalms from the Bible, typically in a structured, liturgical form, often sung verbatim or with minimal alteration.

Charleston

A significant cultural and economic hub in the American South during the colonial period, known for its trade, including the slave trade, and its influence on Southern culture and music.

Slave Narratives

Personal accounts from enslaved individuals that provide insight into the dynamics of slavery during the colonial period.

Lining-Out Technique

A call-and-response method used in congregational singing where a leader sings a line and the congregation responds, often used in churches with members who could not read music.

Dr

An influential figure in the development of hymnody in the early 18th century, known for writing hymns that emphasized personal and expressive worship.

The Great Awakening

A mid-18th century religious revival in the American colonies that emphasized personal faith and emotional worship, leading to increased use of hymns and spirituals.

Evangelical Denominations

Religious groups such as Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians that played a significant role in converting enslaved Africans and free Black people to Christianity during the colonial period.