Sacred Harp Music

We discovered this sound when we watched Antony Mingella's wonderful film of Cold Mountain (in there with Top Films - fantastic performances by all of the cast and a great soundtrack.)

I knew nothing about Sacred Harp music and the wonderful harmonies from the Baptist tradition but this version of  'I'm Coming Home' shows exactly how it works.  The singers sing the sounds of the song first then when everyone knows the 'tune' the words are added.  This is the choir who sang for the soundtrack of the film rehearsing.  You can see more on the DVD extras if you have the film.  Get it if you don't.  It is a most unusual sound. 

You need to have the film to see the family in church singing this song - towards the start of the film.

Should also mention that the other songs on the soundtrack are also wonderful, many of them written by Jack White, from the White Stripes, who also appears in the film.