By Celia Hall
Strength comes through the tests and trials that individuals endure. Experience has proven to be a great teacher. Sometimes it's hard to understand why individuals, peoples, and even natures have suffered so much turmoil and adversity. However, even in times of pain and sorrow, something is created on the inside that is invaluable and of great importance. Negro spirituals helped to foster the hidden power of the slave to be an over comer, even in the midst of unbearable acts of cruelty.
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 spirituals were used to foster courage, hope, and faith that things would change. Their lives were filled with toil, physical labor, and needless to say, and deprivation. Even though reading was forbidden, listening and singing was not. Slaves would often hear small parts of hymns sung outside of their owner's churches. These songs became repetitious and were made into beautiful poetry.
Slaves were exposed to music during religious camp meetings the poor whites at that time had attended. Evangelists from certain religious denominations would preach messages on salvation and truth. Slaves identified with these messages because they longed for the type of freedom that many take for granted. They had to be careful about openly singing about freedom since they could be killed for voicing their opinions. Therefore, their words were ambiguous yet meaningful for the slave.
The Bible became a source of identity for them because they often compared themselves to certain characters that experienced adverse situations. The Jews became a source of encouragement for them because they were once slaves in the land of Egypt. However, due to God-sent deliverance, they were able to escape the hardships of slavery. They no longer had to do what other people wanted them to do. They were free to believe, free to receive, and free to be who they were called to be. The slave would often wonder when their day of redemption would come.
There were a few types of negro spirituals. These songs reflected a life of despair, sorrow, and self-pity. They summarized a people who longed for change and a better life. Some songs were bold in their cry for freedom such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Other songs spoke of them running away . Each song had it's own symbolism.
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.
Strength comes through the tests and trials that individuals endure. Experience has proven to be a great teacher. Sometimes it's hard to understand why individuals, peoples, and even natures have suffered so much turmoil and adversity. However, even in times of pain and sorrow, something is created on the inside that is invaluable and of great importance. Negro spirituals helped to foster the hidden power of the slave to be an over comer, even in the midst of unbearable acts of cruelty.
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 spirituals were used to foster courage, hope, and faith that things would change. Their lives were filled with toil, physical labor, and needless to say, and deprivation. Even though reading was forbidden, listening and singing was not. Slaves would often hear small parts of hymns sung outside of their owner's churches. These songs became repetitious and were made into beautiful poetry.
Slaves were exposed to music during religious camp meetings the poor whites at that time had attended. Evangelists from certain religious denominations would preach messages on salvation and truth. Slaves identified with these messages because they longed for the type of freedom that many take for granted. They had to be careful about openly singing about freedom since they could be killed for voicing their opinions. Therefore, their words were ambiguous yet meaningful for the slave.
The Bible became a source of identity for them because they often compared themselves to certain characters that experienced adverse situations. The Jews became a source of encouragement for them because they were once slaves in the land of Egypt. However, due to God-sent deliverance, they were able to escape the hardships of slavery. They no longer had to do what other people wanted them to do. They were free to believe, free to receive, and free to be who they were called to be. The slave would often wonder when their day of redemption would come.
There were a few types of negro spirituals. These songs reflected a life of despair, sorrow, and self-pity. They summarized a people who longed for change and a better life. Some songs were bold in their cry for freedom such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Other songs spoke of them running away . Each song had it's own symbolism.
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.