Welcome to all those interested in expanding
our Sacred Harp history and traditions. This collection of photographs
and commentary is entirely Unofficial - as yet. The compilers feel that,
although scholarly and "accurate" within accepted standards, the current
body of published material concerning shape-note singing has not kept pace
with the tremendous increase in spurious documentation made possible by
newer technologies. Hence, much of this material has never been seen in
such detail or profusion.
The examples shown here and on other pages are the results of, in some
cases, hours and hours of work by dedicated people working perhaps outside
the academically sanctioned world of the tenured Sacred Harp Professorship.
Yet with its soaring worldwide popularity, it is Sacred Harp itself that
has drawn into its tolerant bosom a wider circle of adherents than some
conservative authorities might wish. And is their effort truly any less
magnificent than that which is already a part of the Canon? The compilers
respectfully think not.
We take the liberty of adding a new term - Fasolapology
- to the scholarly vocabulary.
Fas = "the" or "some"..... olapo = "new"..... logy =
"tedious research(er)"
Finally, this does not purport to be a compilation of all the new
investigations (or speculations either). That would be daunting
indeed, running easily into the tens of pages! It is rather hoped that
this "supplement" to the more "established" writings will have the effect
of stimulating discussion and debate - and sharing - among all those concerned.
Our financial sacrifice from preparing and thrusting them into the Public
Domain - gratis - is amply repaid by the knowledge that we have
left our own small "Legacy" to colleagues and friends. We can but hope
that the Death Duties will not be too onerous.
- The Editors
