Here is a Christmas song of a different kind! Sacred Harp singers belt out Sherburne, an early American tune by Daniel Read, 1785.

You’ll hear them sing through the song once using the names of the notes (Fa Sol La and Me) then again using the words.

Sacred Harp singing puts you in touch with something raw, powerful and authentic: community singing in one of its finest forms. If you ever get the chance to try it out, do it.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

All glory be to God on high
And to the earth be peace,
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.

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