The 17 men and women of the Gregg Smith Singers, directed by Gregg, perform a piece written by New York City composer Wm. Duckworth, who was affected by 'shaped note' (helping the congregation learn the tune by making the notes square, round, triangular and diamond-shaped) singing in rural churches. 'Southern' is based on an 1854 hymn collection of the same name, and it is a parody in the ancient sense, not humorous, but a rewriting, paraphrase and commentary on the material. There are 20 songs here, divided into four books: 'Consolation,' 'Wondrous Love,' 'Hebrew Children,' 'Solemn Thought,' 'Rock of Ages,' 'Cheerful,' 'War Department,' Condescension,' 'Holy Manna,' 'Bozrah,' 'The Mouldering Vine,' 'Mear,' 'Leander,' 'Sardina,' 'Windham,' 'Distress,' 'Nashville, 'Turtle Dove,' 'Primrose' and 'Social Band.' An intriguing choral piece, with orchestral use of voices, that goes off into surprising, theatrical melodic directions.