Melodious Accord: A Concert of Praise
Master Chorale of Washington
Donald McCullough, Music Director

Alice Parker, Special Guest Conductor

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.

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.

Melodious Accord: Harmonia Sacra tunes from Genuine Church Music
arranged by Alice Paker and conducted by Donald McCullough

 

I. Welcome

House of our God (Zion)

Lord, I approach they mercy-seat (Burford)

Come, ye disconsolate

 

II. Old Testament

Be joyful in God

The voice of my beloved sounds (Spring)

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah (Tamworth)

 

III. New Testament

When I survey the wondrous Cross (Retirement)

Come, O thou traveler unknown (Vernon)

O how happy are they (new Concord)

 

IV. Farewells

That glorious day is drawing nigh (Zion's Light)

How seet to reflect (Eden of Love)

How pleasant thus to dwell below (The Parting Hymn)

God moves in a mysterious way (Union)

Shape-Note hymns arranged & conducted by Alice Parker

Wesley
Idumea
Sweet Prospect
Wondrous Love
Hiding Place
His Voice as the Sound

"This release...offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of American choral music, specifically the shape-note tradition...The results are a good bit more refined-sounding than pure shape-note singing, especially with such an accomplished, rich-sounding group as the Master Chorale of Washington. This group can sing just about anything well. There are not many collections of this kind...If American choral traditions mean anything to you, then you must have this [CD]." - American Record Guide