Music and Theology - by Daniel Zager (Hardcover)

About the Book

Music and Theology is a Festschrift honoring Dr. Robin A. Leaver, reflecting his interests in the history of sacred music with particular emphasis on studies related to Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750).

Book Synopsis

The scholar Robin A. Leaver holds a unique place in sacred music scholarship because of his training in both music and theology. He has written widely, bringing acute insights on a variety of musical repertories and topics related to Martin Luther, sixteenth-century psalmody, hymnody, and the sacred music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

In Music and Theology, twelve scholars influenced by Leaver's work contribute essays in diverse areas of sacred music history and philosophy, focusing on the intersection of music and theology. Ranging chronologically from the twelfth-century writer and composer Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) to present-day considerations of American church music and worship, the volume provides thought-provoking new work for all who study church music. Reflecting the prominent emphasis in Leaver's own scholarship, eight chapters deal with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, including his organ music, sacred cantatas, and passion settings. A final chapter provides a chronological listing of Leaver's own voluminous writings on music and theology.

Review Quotes

"...a collection of pieces by 12 scholars who were influenced by Leaver." --Church Times

"In this collection, Zager (musicology and sacred music, Eastman School of Music, U. of Rochester) brings together 12 essays in honor of the contributions of musicologist and theologian Robin A. Leaver and his work in sacred music history and theology. Essays treat composer and writer Hildegard of Bingen, American church music and worship, and eight consider the music of J.S. Bach, such as his church cantatas, chorale settings, the Canon Triplex, and the Goldberg Variations. The last chapter consists of a bibliography of Leaver's writings. Contributors are scholars of music and theology at universities in North America and Europe." --Reference and Research Book News

"This is a fine collection of essays....I recommend this collection without reservation and hope that it finds prominence in every scholarly library." --Lutheran Quarterly

...a collection of pieces by 12 scholars who were influenced by Leaver.

In this collection, Zager (musicology and sacred music, Eastman School of Music, U. of Rochester) brings together 12 essays in honor of the contributions of musicologist and theologian Robin A. Leaver and his work in sacred music history and theology. Essays treat composer and writer Hildegard of Bingen, American church music and worship, and eight consider the music of J.S. Bach, such as his church cantatas, chorale settings, the Canon Triplex, and the Goldberg Variations. The last chapter consists of a bibliography of Leaver's writings. Contributors are scholars of music and theology at universities in North America and Europe.

This is a fine collection of essays....I recommend this collection without reservation and hope that it finds prominence in every scholarly library.

About the Author

Daniel Zager is head of the Sibley Music Library at the Eastman School of Music and also serves as associate professor in musicology and sacred music.