Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the alliance of theology and music in the Christian liturgical tradition, interrogating the challenges posed by the gendered nature of church leadership in many areas of its life. It examines the relationship between theology, spirituality and music, concentrating on women’s perceptions of these. The title draws on the Report of the Archbishop’s Commission on Church Music from 1992 which was entitled
In Tune with Heaven. It questions the absence of women’s voices and experiences from the literature and attempts to redress this. It sets out the values that underpin Christian musical liturgical traditions primarily in Europe and the USA with a view to understanding where women are situated within or outside these traditions. It draws on material from many interviews with contemporary practitioners from a variety of contexts. It does not set out to be a definitive history of women in these traditions but simply to give some small vignettes that illustrate a variety of positions that they have occupied in various denominations – and thus make their often hidden contributions more visible.
Trade Review«In this scholarly work, Professor Boyce-Tillman traces the exclusion of women from the formal musical tradition of the Church and brings to light their «hidden» contribution to the Church’s liturgical music, drawing on compositions of Hildegard, Shaker music and congregational hymnody. Professor Boyce-Tillman encourages worshipping communities to embrace greater diversity and inclusivity in musical traditions. This book is a major contribution to understanding the contribution of women in the Christian musical tradition past, present and future.» (Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York)
Table of ContentsContents: Controversies in Musicology – Vignette One - Narrowing the Vision: The First 600 Years – Vignette Two - Ecologising Music: Hildegard of Bingen – Vignette Three - Encloistering the Angels: The Renaissance Nun Composers – Vignette Four - Radicalising the Vision: Ann Lee and the Shakers – Vignette Five - Hymns or hers: Hymnody past and present – Vignette Six - Inning and Outing : Contemporary Practices – Conclusion: Musicking Wisdom’s Ways.
