Campbell discusses the conflicts that have arisen between those interested in preserving the old traditions of Sacred Harp music and those interested in its modernization. Those who want to preserve the tradition as it has been claim that modernization incorporates trends from secular music, and thus takes away from the sanctity of Sacred Harp music. There have been two main systems of Sacred Harp notation, the four-note- and seven-note-systems, and before the Civil War, both generally coexisted in peace. After the war, however, the seven-note system became associated with Gospel music and modernization. Some, like Atkins, saw the evolution of shape notes over time as necessary to preserve Sacred Harp singing in general, while others believed the original four-note method and original texts were sacred and important in providing a dependable, unchanging sanctuary within the chaos of the world.
Is it beneficial to the survival of a musical practice to evolve in such a way that is parallel with the changing times? Can a musical tradition be preserved without much change, even if the context in which it is used is gradually changing? Is it possible to even expect a tradition to resist change over time?
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