What is Gospel Music on How was it Created?
Gospel Music is a genre of Christian music that uses arrangements of powerful songs that include strong vocals, passionate delivery, and themes of praise, worship, and faith that are carried throughout the African American community to instill the teachings of God. Its origins can be traced as far back as negro spirituals, as well as the Jubilee quartet period of incorporating other musical elements to this genre, which gave way to forming new types as well, creating a new, more diverse formation of gospel.
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL
Traditional gospel music has its roots in the early 20th century and is heavily influenced by spirituals, hymns, and the blues, specifically gaining inspiration from the Jubilee quartet gospel period. Instruments commonly used in traditional gospel music include the piano, the tambourine, and the organ. This style is known for its distinct types of music within this type of gospel such as choir music and its usage of choir arrangements that only the church choir performs. Another form of traditional choir music is congregational songs that incorporate call and response patterns with simple, easy, and repetitive lyrics that the congregation can sing along with. Notable figures within this type of gospel music are Mahaila Jackson and Thomas Dorsey.
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL
Contemporary gospel music emerged in the late 20th century, incorporating elements from various music genres such as R&B, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and more, This style offers a more diverse and wider range of instruments including electric guitars, drum kits, as well as synthesizers, creating a newer sound to the word of God they would sing. . groups like Elevation Worship and Kirk Franklin and Family, unlike traditional gospel groups that operate in larger groups or within the collective large congregation, they formed in these small groups they create intimate songs that have lyricism that can address broader themes beyond just praise and worship.
DIFFERENCES
Musical Style: Traditional gospel relies on choir-led arrangements and acoustic instruments, while contemporary gospel incorporates modern music styles and electronic instruments
Lyrics: Traditional gospel lyrics are typically straightforward in terms of speaking about worship and praise towards God, while contemporary gospel lyrics are more broad and complex and can not only cater to worship and praise but a range of other themes as well.
Performance: Traditional gospel performances are more calm and more focused on the spiritual experience, whereas contemporary gospel can be more upbeat and favor mainstream music concerts on some occasions.
CONCLUSION
Gospel Music has evolved from its traditional roots to embrace its present influences, resulting in two distinct styles that continue to inspire others to worship and praise Christianity in audiences across the world.
