The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #36892   Message #1052856
Posted By: The Fooles Troupe
12-Nov-03 - 10:29 PM
Thread Name: Shape notes
Subject: RE: Shape notes
Thanks for your interest.

I remember now that I have seen such old books, but didn't realise the significance. My Paternal Grandfather was a Baptist. When I went to the Tabernacle, they always sang standing up. I was allowed to sing in the choir - cold - but then I was a better solo singer when I was a kid (2nd prize in a Eisteddford once...) - puberty and electrocution through the throat didn't help... :-)

Taking into account how much music of so many different styles I have listened to, I must have come across it - but as a gifted sight reader of the dots, I find such systems interesting, but basically a reversion to medieval singing practices before the modern staff notation was perfected. It is interesting that the examples I have seen are really a blend of staff and shape notation, unlike many of the medieval forms.

Sorry, my PC sound card died ages ago...

I'm in Australia.

Robin