Bible & Music

Bible & Music Influences of the Old Testament on Western Music By Max Stern Bible & Music is a conceptual study about the influence of the Bible on the history of Western music. It focuses on diverse treatments of biblical episodes in various genres, styles and their cultural contexts. Arranged according to the order of books of the Old Testament, it is a handy reference tool with extensive lists of musical works and appendices. The story of the Bible as told through music, Bible & Music is a ground-breaking conceptual study about the influence of the Bible on the history of Western music; the history of music as seen from the perspectives of the Bible. The focus is on diverse treatments of biblical subjects and characters in various genres, styles and cultural contexts, arranged according to the order of books of the Old Testament (except for Psalms which will be treated in a later volume). Scriptural themes are approached in their cultural reception in relation to composer, historical period, social context, genre, performing medium and style as they contribute to give expression, meaning and Voice' to the biblical Word.' Each chapter explores a specific composition or compositions drawn from the worlds of traditional, folk, liturgical, popular, classical and contemporary music. Extensive lists of musical works, bibliographies, biblical references to music and appendixes on musical instruments in the Bible, along with a comprehensive index make this work a handy reference tool.