What is Sacred Harp Singing?

Sacred  Harp singing is a powerful form of choral music with roots in  Anglo-Celtic folksong and the community singing schools of early New  England. 

The music is sung in a hearty,  full-voiced a cappella style in three and four-part harmony. It is intended primarily for the enjoyment of the singers themselves, and is not meant as a performance.

Although most of the music is set to traditional sacred poetry, all are welcome to take part, whatever their beliefs.

A vibrant, living tradition, Sacred Harp holds a unique place in the American musical landscape. It has been called “America’s oldest music,” yet has become more widespread in the past 30 years than at any time in history; attracting singers not only from the US and Canada,  but from Australia and Europe as well.

Named after one of the American Hymnals  "The Sacred Harp" that  contains this type of  music, Sacred Harp is also sometimes known as “shape note” or “fa-so-la.” This refers to the unique musical notation of The Sacred Harp and other early American songbooks, using shaped note heads to indicate intervals between notes. The four shaped heads each have a name - fa, so, la & mi - hence also 'shapenote', 'shaped note music' and 'fasola music'.

Sacred Harp in Frankfurt

We are an enthusiastic group of beginners, keen to share with others the enjoyment of this music. 

All are welcome to join irrespective of any religious beliefs and musical experience. This music is intended primarily for the enjoyment of the singers themselves, not as a performance.

We  meet every other Sunday 18-20 Uhr, Kapuzinerkeller City-Kloster Liebfrauen, Schärfengässchen 3, 60311 Frankfurt am Main.