Chamber Chorale: “Old American Songs”
Dr. Brad Light, Chorale Director Dr. Erica Rumbley, Pianist $25 General Admission, Students $12 PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE 800-514-3849 This program offers a window into the roots of American musical identity, drawing on folk hymns, early sacred music, and spirituals that emerged from communities rather than concert halls. These songs—passed down through oral tradition, shaped by regional practices, and grounded in shared experience—capture a uniquely direct and expressive musical language. From the stark, modal contours of early New England psalmody to the flowing lyricism of folk-derived melodies, this repertoire reflects a nation finding its voice through simplicity, sincerity, and collective song. Several highlights illuminate the breadth and depth of that tradition. The music of William Billings stands as one of the earliest expressions of a distinctly American compositional style, while later arrangers like Alice Parker and Robert Shaw bring renewed clarity and vitality to traditional hymnody and spirituals. The contributions of Florence Price and Moses Hogan highlight the enduring power and emotional depth of the spiritual tradition, transforming these songs into compelling concert works that retain their deep sense of authenticity and purpose. The program concludes with the music of Aaron Copland, whose settings of folk material helped define a modern […]