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MUSIC IN
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP |
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Discover the origins and follow the development of Christian worship music in this user-friendly 'potted' history We live in a time when many church musicians are experimenting with new idioms in worship as a means of expressing their faith. This does, at times, lead to tension between the traditionalists and those of a more progressive outlook. By understanding the origins of church music we can all gain an insight into the purpose and application of music in worship. I do not believe for one moment that God has a preference! The purpose of music in a service is to enhance the act of worship. I can't see that it makes any difference whether that expression is in the form of a plainchant, a traditional Moody & Sankey hymn or a rock-gospel worship song. They all have their part to play. It is entirely a matter of preference. No particular musical expression of faith is more 'holy' than any other. The style of music used in any situation should be one which is most acceptable to the majority of worshipers involved. There are many styles and idioms of worship music around today. Some of this music goes back centuries, some of it has just been written. One thing that needs to be understood and accepted is that there is good and bad in all kinds of music. The trick (if I can put it that way) is to be able to differentiate between the good and the bad, regardless of idiom or style. "Music in Christian Worship" is an e-book which explores the history and development of church music from its very beginnings until the present day. I have approached the topic from my position as both a professional musician and a lay preacher. I have tried to look at the subject from the point of view of a 'user' rather than from the position of a scholar. There have been a number of treatise written on this topic by musicologists and learned theologians; - I have tried to create a comprehensive but readable everyman's guide. Beginning with an examination of the use of music as described in both the Old and New Testaments, the book traces the development of worship music across the centuries, ending with a comprehensive assessment of its place in the contemporary church. I have interspersed the factual detail with my own thoughts and feelings on many of the issues which I have encountered in my research.
· Introduction · Worship Music in the Old Testament · Worship Music in the New Testament · Liturgical Music · Revivalist Times · From Negro Spirituals to Gospel Songs · Christmas Carols · Other Seasonal and Occasional Music · 20th Century Developments · Contemporary Worship
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Summary Notes on the author I was raised in a Christian family and attended the local Methodist Church in my home town of Doncaster. I left home at the age of 18 to study at the Royal College of Music in London. On completion of four years study I began a career as a professional oboist. As my early musical career kept me moving around, I attended worship whenever and wherever I was able. Once settled I became a Steward in my local church and was very much involved in the life of that church. I have also provided new music for worship on a regular basis since that time. In recent years I have been fully involved in music education and I have held several senior posts in that field. I have also become much more involved in my composition work, producing work in a wide range of styles from worship songs to full symphonic pieces. I have also continued with my professional playing, especially in the field of chamber music. I married relatively late in life, at the age of 40, to Sarah. I now have a family of two; -John (now 20 and studying for a music degree) and Lucy (who is 17). Lucy is disabled, having severe learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder, myclonic epilepsy and challenging behaviour. The problems with Lucy have made life very difficult at times but have had the effect of pulling the family very closely together. It was when the problems with Lucy began to resolve themselves to some degree that I received the call to preach. I have now been preaching for about 8 years and I am a fully accredited Methodist Local Preacher.
These days I divide
my time between playing, composing, song-writing and my church work. |
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The cost of this potted history of the development of "Music in Christian Worship" is just $9.97. You can access an immediate download once the transaction is processed. Special Seasonal Offer
P.S The e-book is in PDF format so can be accessed by both PC & Mac systems P.P.S.
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