American choral music. Historical and stylistic aspects

Speaking about the American choral music, conductor Kathy Romey observed that “our choral inheritance reflects a kaleidoscope of cultural and religious roots which gave birth to an astonishing melting pot” of musical and individual voices. The “American” choral music can be observed from two geographic perspectives – the United States and North America – which include works of composers from Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. In both contexts, “specific American” choral music is extremely varied, flexible, and in a continuous change. It could take the form of a hymn of Shakers, of a song of Native Americans, a Moravian hymn, a spiritual Negro, of a song from the divine service of Judaic Sabbath, of a lullaby, a civil war marching, a Mexican salsa dance, a gospel hymn, an Asian artistic song, Broadway music, blues, a cowboy ballad or a European folk song. All these and much more are part of our collective culture – a diverse and rich tradition of many peoples, which expresses itself through a multitude of musical styles and genres.”