Osterhus Publishing Co.

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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.