Traditional VS Contemporary Gospel
Gospel music, which stemmed from negro spirituals and the gospel period of the Jubilee Quartet has become a staple of music in the Black community. The African Methodist & Episcopal Church (AM&E), and COGIC helped with the creation of gospel music in several ways. There are two types of Gospel music, traditional and contemporary. Both provide their own style of portraying this sacred music.
Traditional Gospel
Traditional gospel was the first of the two types of music, beginning around the 1920s when Thomas Dorsey coined the term “Gospel Music”. Traditional gospel timbre could be described as symphonic. This music is typically congregational, using more hand movements and choreography such as clapping. This music will often be heard in older Black churches with large choirs.
Contemporary Gospel
Contemporary Gospel, the newer of the two types began in the early 1970s. Contemporary timbre is fast and more soulful. This music incorporates more solos and has the use of instruments a lot more. Contemporary gospel is likely to be heard through streaming services now or can be found in churches with a primarily younger congregation. Artists like Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, and most famously known Kirk Franklin are notoriously known contemporary gospel singers. This form of gospel music while still sacred music, is also secular in style and performance.
One Response
Thank you for this post. I love the fact that you incorporated different videos of gospel music as I love to listen. Gospel music, like Negro spirituals, carries powerful messages of hope, faith, and resilience. It’s rooted in the same traditions, evolving from spirituals to reflect the changing experiences and expressions of African American culture over time.