Though not generally known, the Valley of Virginia was a major center of music publishing in the first half of the 19th century, primarily 'Shape Note' AKA 'Sacred Heart' books.  This was considerably before Nashville, and probably even a bit ahead of Broadway's (NY) Tin Pan Alley.  The publishing industry was centered around Dayton which may say something about why Shenandoah Conservatory of Music spent its formative years in Dayton.

This week, I dug out some of my original books to set texts of a few of the gripping post-9/11 hymns to.  (Some suggested early American hymtunes like BANGOR and DETROIT)  And wonder-of-wonders, I found that my new installation of FINALE music printing will actually let me print shape note music!!!!  So with some spilled coffee and an hour or 2 in the sun for the paper to 'cure', I can produce genuine imitation simulated 19th century Sacred Harp music.   Just kidding.

My question is about the shape of the shape notes.  While I am sure they evolved before 'focus groups' and even psychological evaluation, I am interested in how the shapes were chosen for each note of the scale...... itty bitt triangles for the TONIC, BIG SQUARE note for the minor third below, other triangles, diamonds, etc.  Is there any shape-note capital of Virginia out there who might have some insight into this?

Randy Cabell

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