Some of them, which were called 'shouts' were accompanied with typical dancing including hand clapping and foot tapping. The very first negro spirituals were inspired by African music even if the tunes were not far from those of hymns. It means that their styles are continuously changing. The tunes and the beats of negro spirituals and Gospel songs are highly influenced by the music of their actual cultural environment.
Shop to acquire books and records of spirituals Before 1865 The tunes and the beats, before 1865 Search gives the lyrics of over 200 traditional spirituals History, how the spirituals change is linked to the History of African AmericanĬomposers during and after the slavery period This site is devoted to traditional African American spirituals, and some information is given about the early Gospel songs.
