This recording documents an extraordinary concert, intended to capture the spirit of shape note conventions, which are still held today in many parts of the country. Invited choirs joined the Master Chorale to perform Wesley, Idumea and Sweet Prospect, surrounding the audience at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Alice Parker was Special Guest Conductor, joining Music Director Donald McCullough.
Shape-note singing is a distinctively American tradition that is enjoying a revival. Born from the desire to invigorate congregational singing, the shape-note tradition created its own musical notation, a robust singing style and a substantial collection of hymnody.
