I will tell you a little story!
A few years ago I belonged to a Classical Music Club. They had a big sale on an all male choir collection of cds that had everything from Gregorian Chant to Negro Spirituals, and even Russian Liturgical Music. I eagerly purchased several cds, as I LOVE acapella male choirs.
I put on the first one..the notes were perfect, the blending and arrangements were gorgeous, and the harmonies were pristine.
And I HATED it! there was something weird and ugly that I couldn’t put my finger on.
So I put on the next one. Same effect. It was making my flesh crawl.
The next one was the Russian Music (my favorite, and I know it very well) Arrgghh! there was that “thing” again.
Last, but not least was the Negro Spirituals. It was the worst one of all with that almost palpable, spiritual darkness emanating through the music. There was also a tinge of mockery in the Dialect that offended me. And I am not even Black!
I couldn’t understand why this beloved music, so well produced and sung was disturbing my inner being so much.
Then I read the liner notes (very tiny on a cd!).
This was the premier “Gay Men’s Choir” who were world renowned, PRIMARILY for being gay. They travel the world advocating for homosexuality and AIDS awareness.
I was stunned that this “spirit” could actually come through the music. I honestly hadn’t known.
Needless to say they went out in the trash the next morning.
Who knows? All of them maybe?