Scripture as Song

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

An exploration of the universal phenomenon of sacred song as an integral aspect of worship. Beginning with a panoramic view, East and West, as evidenced in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. An introduction to the notion of cantillation as a way that music arises from a text, as illustrated by the chanting of the Torah and the Psalms in the worship of the Synagogue; the early experience of Christians singing Psalms in Greek and Latin, and the development of monasticism. Consideration of the beginnings of hymnody in Christianity as metrical versions of the Scriptures, and chant as part of the fixed canon of Christian worship. The emergence of cantors as the “rock stars” of the Middle Ages. The increase of vernacular hymnody experienced as an instrument of change in the Protestant Reformations, and songs of lament and spirituals as anthems of opposition to slavery, and in the birth of the civil rights movement. The return of Scriptural narrative to songs of praise and worship, and the use of Biblical references in pop culture, and music of our time. All genres will be demonstrated by recordings, or by live performance, and we shall consider the enduring importance and impact of ritual song in a sacred context.