Here are a ton of links to more information about music in ancient Israel and among the early church. (This list is still being put together at 'press' time. I will expand on it and publish an updated list this week.)
MUSIC
"La Musique de la Bible revelee"(Harmonia Mundi, 2000)
I briefly mentioned Dr. Haik-Vantoura's theories about how Hebrew music was notated and how it might sound. Her theory is intriguing but obviously there is no consensus and, in fact, a good deal of controversy about her work. In any event, it is an informed performance of the Psalms and well worth your time or money. I think, anyway. Up to you.
Music of the Ancient Greeks - De Organographia (Pandourion, 1997)
Probably the most complete recording of Ancient Greek music (Yes, there are several out there. People will record anything.) and perhaps the most well done, too. The Neuman's are top flight musicians and interpreters.
BOOKS
All the Music of the Bible - Herbert Lockyer (Hendrickson, 2004)
An exhaustive listing of every music reference in the Bible, with commentary and background. A perfect introduction to this topic.
Music in Ancient Israel/Palestine - Joachim Braun (Eerdmans, 2002)
This is a scholarly, highbrow type book, designed for musicologists and archaeologists. If the footnotes and high-falutin' language don't scare you off, there is a great deal of interesting stuff about what we can know objectively about ancient music based on instruments and iconography (pictures, statues, etc.) our ancestors left behind. Dr. Braun is speaking as a scientist and thus takes a skeptical view of the Bible's historical accuracy, just so you are warned before you crack the book open.
Music of the Bible Revealed, The - Suzanne Haik-Vantoura (BIBAL, 1991)
Again with Dr. Haik-Vantoura. This is her treatise and life's work in which she lays out her theories about how Davidic music would have sounded. Very interesting, but she IS an academic, and it IS translated from French so the reading can be a tough slog in places. If someone from the class actually reads this cover to cover I will buy them a cookie.
The Story of Christian Music - Andrew Wilson-Dickson (Augsburg; Fortress Press, 2003)
For my money, the best and most accessible of all of these books, and the unofficial text for this class. Wilson-Dickson is British and therefore spends a good bit of time hung up on aspects of British church history you probably don't care all that much about. He also is unafraid of giving his opinion, especially in the concluding chapters. Don't let that bother you and enjoy a well-prepared history of Christian music. Beautifully illustrated and clearly written. Now in paperback and, I think, with a CD.
ON THE WEB
Coming. Be patient. Pretty please.
