The Story of Christian Music: From Gregorian Chant to Black Gospel, An Authoritative Illustrated Guide to All the Major Traditions of Music for Worship

Just as the psalms were at the heart of worship in Jewish temple and synagogue, so music has been central to Christian worship since its beginning. Right through medieval times and the centuries since, some of the most creative musical geniuses have produced works to be performed as part of the life of the Christian church. How has this magnificent tapestry developed? And where does the relatively small part of the pattern with which each Christian tradition is familiar fit into the tremendous variety of the whole? This book is painted on a large canvas. It covers each period of European musical history, as well as the Orthodox tradition, the growing African scene, and the many-sided American picture. The book narrates a continuing history of music. At the same time it shows the relationship between Christian music and the beliefs which shape it. And it ends by pointing ahead to ways of worshipping through music which are appropriate for coming generations.