Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Religious Sheet Music Is Composed For Religious Use Or With Religious Influences

By Herman G. Bussard


Because this type of religious music lyrics was composed to be performed during religious services, worship services or religious rites is frequently referred to as church music or sacred music. There are two ways that this type of music is written or composed as a rule. You can find a large amount of music that has been composed for religious purposes. Many of the traditional forms of music have been adapted to serve the religious purposes. Music that was intended for the church was written by several legendary classical music composers. These musical pieces have been changed over time and were frequently adapted to fit types that were secular.

Some groups combine the religious lyrics with modern idioms or melodies from current songs routinely to incorporate the different styles. An example of altering or arranging the context of religious songs to fit the melodic preferences in style and rhythm can be seen with gospel music. It is common for different cultures to have their own distinctive type of liturgical music such as with the Asian or Native American cultures who follow certain monotheism and tonality that is part of their culture.

There is a wide variety of qualities that create the distinctive religious sheet music characteristics that identifies each as they are composed according to their individual liturgies dictate for each particular denomination. Several times some of the music is restricted to particular religious ceremonies that have been influenced by modern times as well as traditions that have been handed down through the ages. Often times religious practices and music can be traced back to ancient times when they were first composed for temple and synagogue worship by the Hebrews.

There are various reports that suggest the development of church music evolved from music that was originally performed in the Jewish synagogues with an organ that accompanied the performer. This style of music was adapted in the twelfth century with a polyphonic style that involved the weaving together of two or more independent melodies. The Medieval period was said to have liturgical music performed mostly in court ceremonies instead of the normal setting of a church or cathedral, which is an interesting fact to learn.

The performance of religious music changed throughout the years from vocal soloists of the past to performances by small choirs that sometimes included instrumental accompaniment. Many famous composers added to this musical form which additionally emerged into types such as organ music, requiems and masses. Currently we are still familiar with many of these types of liturgical music that has also been grown into new forms by some twentieth century composers.




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