Description
An introduction to the ancient musical traditions of the Catholic Church as a support for prayer.
With the new translation of the Roman Missal, a new phase of liturgical reform and development is underway in the Catholic Church. The role of music in the parish Mass, the choice of hymns, and the rediscovery in many parishes and communities of Gregorian Chant, have all contributed to a growing interest in the variety of musical traditions available as a support for prayer in the Catholic tradition.
This book is an introduction to a fascinating and important topic, intended for non-specialists.
It covers the role of music in worship, in the Bible and in the lives of the saints; the theology of music; the history of liturgical music; and the genres of music used at Mass today.
Ben Whitworth is the Assistant Editor of Usus Antiquior, the journal dedicated to the sacred liturgy. His doctoral thesis (Oxford University, 2010) was concerned with Latin liturgical hymns. He formerly lectured in Theology and English at Leeds Trinity University College. He has founded and directed Gregorian chant choirs in Leeds and Orkney (where he now lives).
78 pp.
