Category: Tunebooklets
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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…
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I’ve been casually collecting shape-note tunebooks because I’m fascinated by the subject. In order to understand the subject I’ve found it necessary to articulate working definitions for what I’m trying to study. Definitions help clarify what materials belong within a given category, but they also reveal the blurry edges and the overlaps of those categories.…
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Over the weekend, the James River All Day Singing took place. A local singer, Mary P. Wright, had recently passed on and it was announced she wanted singers to have some of her books and recordings. There were only a few books, and many CDs and cassette tapes. I picked up two thin books, and…