Description
Book SynopsisThere have been numerous publications in the last decades on the Bible in literature, film, and art. But until now, no reference work has yet appeared on the Bible as it appears in Western music. In The Bible in Music: A Dictionary of Songs, Works, and More, scholars Siobhán Dowling Long and John F. A. Sawyer correct this gap in Biblical reference literature, providing for the first time a convenient guide to musical interpretations of the Bible. Alongside examples of classical music from the Middle Ages through modern times, Dowling Long and Sawyer also bring attention to the Bible's impact on popular culture with numerous entries on hymns, spirituals, musicals, film music, and contemporary popular music.Each entry contains essential information about the original context of the work (date, composer, etc.) and, where relevant, its afterlife in literature, film, politics, and liturgy. It includes an index of biblical references and an index of biblical names, as well as a detailed time
Trade ReviewThis volume by Long and Sawyer presents annotated descriptions of classical (oratorios, operas, sonatas) and non-classical (musicals, hymns, spirituals, pop, rock music) music. . . .In this first publication to annotate descriptions of vocal and instrumental pieces with Biblical associations, the compilers paid special attention to works by women composers. . . .The dictionary, arranged alphabetically by title or first line, uses German, Latin, French, Italian, or Hebrew titles. Entries include title, date, composer, and a description to help readers locate music that references specific texts or topics. . . .The chronology presents key events, works, and publications, while the glossary lists basic terms and some world-music terminology. The ‘Index of Biblical Names and Subjects’ and ‘Index to Biblical References’ (including the Apocrypha) prove quite useful. . . .Choir directors and vocal students will appreciate the descriptions presented. Summing Up: Recommended. Students at all levels; professionals/practitioners; general readers. * CHOICE *
There is a small but growing number of recent books on the connection between religion and music. . . .The veteran biblical scholar John Sawyer and the Irish musicologist Siobha´n Dowling Long have now added to this literature with their very helpful new dictionary. . . .This is a dictionary to browse and enjoy. Its index of biblical references, for example, allows the reader to compare the ways that particular texts have been interpreted in different compositions. As befits a dictionary its entries are in alphabetical order so it is sometimes also rewarding to look at adjacent entries on a common theme but from very different historical eras. The two authors’ style of writing is accessible with technical terms explained carefully. This is emphatically a book written for a wide readership. . . .[T]his dictionary will sit in a prominent position on my shelves waiting to be consulted again and again. * Theology *
The Bible in Music: A Dictionary of Songs, Works and More is a handy reference work for both library and desk research and good for any musicologist involved in working with faith communities. * s *
The volume is so rich and offers so much that is of tremendous value – especially to a professor who is teaching on the intersection of the Bible and music – that I can recommend it as not merely worthwhile but essential to anyone interested in this subject area. * Review of Biblical Literature *
Table of ContentsAcronyms and Abbreviations Chronology Acknowledgments Introduction Dictionary Bibliography Glossary of Technical Terms Index of Authors, Composers and Musicians Index of Biblical Names Index of Biblical References
