Music of the Colonial Period

• Hymnody vs. Psalmody:

• Hymnody refers to the singing of hymns, which are religious songs of praise that are more freely composed and often reflect personal devotion.

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

• Cultural Importance of Charles Town (Charleston) During the Colonial Period:

Charleston was a significant cultural and economic hub in the American South. During the colonial period, it was a center for trade, including the slave trade, and played a vital role in shaping Southern culture, including its musical traditions. It was home to a diverse population and was one of the first cities where African music influenced local music practices.

• Primary Sources for Understanding Slavery Dynamics in the Colonial Period:

Some of the key sources include slave narratives, legal documents, advertisements, and accounts by travelers or colonial officials. Examples include The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano and legislative records that detail the regulation of slavery.

• Congregational Singing and the Lining-Out Technique:

Congregational singing was a common practice in churches during the colonial period. Lining-out is a call-and-response technique where a leader would sing or chant a line of a psalm or hymn, and the congregation would respond by singing it. This method was used especially in churches where members could not read music.

• Dr. Isaac Watts:

Isaac Watts was a key figure in the development of hymnody in the early 18th century. He wrote many influential hymns, such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World,” which moved away from traditional psalm-singing and contributed to a more personal and expressive form of worship.

• The Reform Movement and the Great Awakening:

The Great Awakening (mid-18th century) was a religious revival that swept through the American colonies, emphasizing personal faith, emotional worship, and a break from formalized church traditions. It encouraged greater participation in religious services, including the increased use of hymns and spirituals in worship.

• Religious Groups Involved in the Conversion Process into Christianity:

Religious groups such as the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians played a key role in converting enslaved Africans and free Black people to Christianity during the colonial period. These denominations often had a more evangelical approach, appealing to people of different social backgrounds.