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Many time, individuals go through tests and moments of conflict that inevitably make them stronger. The surroundings are so very important when it comes to survival. Qualities of strength and courage often blossom in moments of adversity. Negro spirituals came about at a time when slaves needed a glimmer of hope and inspiration in order to make it through times of hardship.
These songs are so exquisite because they are the first types of unique music to come out of America. When slaves demonstrated their songs that were filled with sorrow and hardship, all other music had to take a back seat. During those times, slaves were considered to be soulless animals. Since examples of slavery were found in the Bible, many took it as an opportunity to do what seemed right in their eyes. Slaves were not taught to read or write due to fear of them rebelling. Music became their source of refuge.
Singing for the slave, was a way to cope with working in the hot sun and laboring all day long. The sound of voices singing with one common bond helped them to pass the hours of toiling in the fields. It helped them to believe that one day, they would be free and have the chance for a better life.
Products of these spirituals were faith, dreams, and courage. The slaves had believed that the world would change. They believed that the hardships that they faced was not for nought, but served some purpose. They were not permitted to read or learn how to write. This was mainly due to the fact that slave owners thought that they would rebel. These things were outlawed for the slave, but singing and listening was not. They did not know that the music that they made today, would one day lead to poetry that would inspire millions.
During the 1800's, there were many poor whites who had attended camp meetings put on by evangelists. It was there that they became exposed to music. Messages were preached from Baptists inspiring salvation, courage, and hope. Slaves could relate to the deep desire and longing for freedom. Slaves therefore made up songs that were coded, since they were not allowed to sing about being free. Only they knew what they were really singing about.
Oftentimes, they would identify with certain Biblical characters that were triumphant when it came to overcoming adversity. They look to the Jews who were once slaves in Egypt, but came out with great deliverance with God's help. Characters such as Jesus, Moses, David and others dealt with their own problems. They, however, came out successful. The mind of the slave often would wonder, how long would they have to wait before they became triumphant. They would wonder how long it would be before they got redeemed. Negro spirituals played a huge role in sustaining their lives.
Negro Spirituals were usually categorized into three types. These were "Deep River, " Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, " and "Balm in Gilead." These songs revealed the deep desire for change and the endless feelings of despair. There were other songs that were bold in their cry for freedom such as, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Every song was symbolic of the slave's quest for freedom.
It was in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, that the first collection of Negro spirituals was published. They were ignored at first by popular music magazines, but were brought to life by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Over time, they became the greatest musical contribution to the world.
These songs are so exquisite because they are the first types of unique music to come out of America. When slaves demonstrated their songs that were filled with sorrow and hardship, all other music had to take a back seat. During those times, slaves were considered to be soulless animals. Since examples of slavery were found in the Bible, many took it as an opportunity to do what seemed right in their eyes. Slaves were not taught to read or write due to fear of them rebelling. Music became their source of refuge.
Singing for the slave, was a way to cope with working in the hot sun and laboring all day long. The sound of voices singing with one common bond helped them to pass the hours of toiling in the fields. It helped them to believe that one day, they would be free and have the chance for a better life.
Products of these spirituals were faith, dreams, and courage. The slaves had believed that the world would change. They believed that the hardships that they faced was not for nought, but served some purpose. They were not permitted to read or learn how to write. This was mainly due to the fact that slave owners thought that they would rebel. These things were outlawed for the slave, but singing and listening was not. They did not know that the music that they made today, would one day lead to poetry that would inspire millions.
During the 1800's, there were many poor whites who had attended camp meetings put on by evangelists. It was there that they became exposed to music. Messages were preached from Baptists inspiring salvation, courage, and hope. Slaves could relate to the deep desire and longing for freedom. Slaves therefore made up songs that were coded, since they were not allowed to sing about being free. Only they knew what they were really singing about.
Oftentimes, they would identify with certain Biblical characters that were triumphant when it came to overcoming adversity. They look to the Jews who were once slaves in Egypt, but came out with great deliverance with God's help. Characters such as Jesus, Moses, David and others dealt with their own problems. They, however, came out successful. The mind of the slave often would wonder, how long would they have to wait before they became triumphant. They would wonder how long it would be before they got redeemed. Negro spirituals played a huge role in sustaining their lives.
Negro Spirituals were usually categorized into three types. These were "Deep River, " Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, " and "Balm in Gilead." These songs revealed the deep desire for change and the endless feelings of despair. There were other songs that were bold in their cry for freedom such as, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Every song was symbolic of the slave's quest for freedom.
It was in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, that the first collection of Negro spirituals was published. They were ignored at first by popular music magazines, but were brought to life by the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Over time, they became the greatest musical contribution to the world.
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