Now that I’ve published a working definition of the shape-note tunebooklet, I want to offer a detailed example—both to illustrate the term and to establish a model for future entries. For simplicity, I’ll refer to these as tunebooklets, with the understanding that I’m speaking specifically about those rooted in the shape-note tradition. Because tunebooklets are often ephemeral by design—limited in scope, privately produced, and created for specific occasions—they are typically more obscure than standard tunebooks. That makes this kind of documentation all the more important. This first installment aims to strike a balance: thorough enough to be useful, but not burdened by unnecessary minutiae.
A Midwest Supplement
Chicago Sacred Harp Singers. A Midwest Supplement: A Choice Collection of Tunes, With Footnotes, Selected for and Compiled by Those of the Meanest Capacities. Chicago: Chicago Sacred Harp Singers, 1987. Third printing, 1988. [ii], 36, [2] pp. 5.25 × 8.5 in. Saddle-stitched in cardstock wrappers in blue ink. Interior printed on white uncoated stock in black ink.
A professionally printed booklet compiling a selection of traditional and contemporary tunes in the four-shape (fasola) shape-note tradition. Includes musical notation, illustrations, and extensive annotations offering historical, biographical, and interpretive commentary. The “Additional Lyrics” listed in the index provide supplementary stanzas for several tunes, printed separately due to space constraints. Represents a regional effort within the broader shape-note singing revival of the late 20th century.
Copyright Information:
First Edition:
- First Printing: February 1987
- Second Printing: September 1987
- Third Printing: September 1988
© 1987, 1988 Chicago Sacred Harp Singers. Some songs used by permission.
Production Credits:
Music Editor: Judy Hauff
Original Tunes: Judy Hauff, Ted Johnson
Commentary: Ted Mercer, Kathleen Kuiper
Arrangements (p. 16, 32): Phillip Trier
Cover Design: Melanie Hauff
Book Design: Carolyn Deacy
Production Staff: Carolyn Deacy, Judy Hauff, Melanie Hauff, Ted Johnson, Kathleen Kuiper, Ted Mercer, Mary Rose Ogren
Acknowledgments include Don Bardsley, Charleston singers, Paula McGray, James Page, Elliott Ribner, Warren Steel, Sue Turbak.
Copy Notes:
This copy bears the inscriptions of W.L. Green (Mobile, AL) and N.C. Green (Rainsville, AL).
Index:
Additional Lyrics – 13, 35, 36, 37
Africa – 4
Agatite – 24
Babylon Is Fallen – 5
Bangor – 29
Bunker Hill – 35
China – 11
Colchester New – 30
Come Thou Fount – 16
Converse – 17
Foolish Virgins, The – 29
Friendship – 3
Granville – 20
Jolly Soldier – 14
Jordan (Old) – 19
Joyful Sound – 22
Judgment – 2
Legacy – 12
Little Marlborough – 4
Livonia – 7
Milinda – 36
Mortality – 27
Musgrove – 8
New Durham – 10
New Orleans – 24
Parting Friends – 6
Peace and Love – 21
Poland – 15
Pool – 15
Rainbow – 22
Rockingham – 1
Salvation – 31
Solitude New – 34
Star Spangled Banner – 32
Tender Thought – 31
The Foolish Virgins – 29
Unitia – 1
Wake Up – 23
Wesley – 30
Westminster – 18
When Jesus Wept – 13
Wood Street – 28
Zion – 26
Zion’s Walls – 9
Leave a Reply