Customer Reviews (3)

Thought-provoking
This book will inspire you to think about the soundtrack to your own spiritual journey. Music has the power to impact us in profound and life-changing ways. This book chronicles those instances of impact with well-wrought stories. Inspiring!

Read changed and BE CHANGED
What a positive and encouraging music-devotional of varied experiences through varied Christian music! Read changed and you'll be changed as you delve into a mirage of inspiring stories of overcomers and victories!Use it as a "devotional" and you'll have a quick read each day, be inspired to overcome your own circumstance and be introduced to many great Christian songs and music that you'll learn to see in a new and different light.What a privilege it was for me to be just a small part of this great endeavor.Great job Ginny & Christy!!!

Excited to be a part of something so beautiful
I love being associated in a small way with this book, through one short story. It's beautifully done. ... Read more

Product Description
Music has flourished in the Mormon church since its beginning. In this book--now available in paperback--Michael Hicks examines the direction that music's growth has taken since 1830. He looks closely at topics including the denomination's first official hymnals; the views of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young on singing; the Mormon Tabernacle Choir; and the changing attitudes of church officialdom and laity toward popular and non-western music styles.

Winner of the 1989 Award in Criticism from the Association for Mormon Letters ... Read more

Product Description

TheEncyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music: Pop, Rock, and Worship is the first comprehensive reference work on a form of American music that is far more popular than nonfans may realize. It fills a major gap in the literature on American music and Christian culture, looking at this increasingly popular genre in the context of the overall history of religious music in the United States.

With over 200 entries, The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music covers important performers and industry figures, songs and albums, concerts and festivals, the rise of Christian radio and television, and other issues related to the growth of inspirational music. Scholars and fans alike will find a wealth of revealing information and insightful coverage illustrating the influence of gospel on modern American music with musicians such as Elvis, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and U2.The work also examines the use of fundamental rock, pop, and rap music templates in the service of songs of faith.

Customer Reviews (5)

The Organ was a Sin
There are so many interesting facts in this book. Myfavorite is that the organ was considered a sinful instrument to use in church when it first was introduced. Funny how the organ is being replaced by keyboards now. It is all relative - so many churches live and die on minor issues..sad..what would Jesus think?

AComplete Explanation and guide to Christian Music
This book is perfect for our times. It is my experience that churches, pastors and congregations are totally confused and uninformed regarding music for their church.Mr. Miller gives a fair and complete explanation of all kinds of music and what it means.The objective view is based on the Bible.I think before we can argue about the "Comtemporary Christian Music Debate" we need to be well informed on every level.Mr. Miller does just that.The book helps to clarify what is true and what we have heard from others.Every Christian needs to be informed on this subject. His research is both fascinating and extensive. This unique treasure of information is a must for anyone searching true answers on Christian Music.

Francine Larson, Co-Author of "Character Keys to a Bright Future."

Great Historical Background to a Current Debate
There is nothing more divisive than the type of music used in churches across the country on Sunday mornings. Yet, do we need to quarrel? Author Steve Miller provides a biblical framework for deciding what type of music will speak to the hearts of people. What other criteria should we use? The best sections of the book deal with the history of church music. Great lessons are here! Can't wait for an updated version to be written by this writer.

Proponents and opponents of CCM should read this book.
Having read MANY books on the subject of contemporary music in the church, this is the best I have ever seen.It is sound, Biblical, thoroughly researched (11 years of research!), and balanced.If you have questions,or just want to learn about the history of Christian music, there is NOBETTER book.

This is a GREAT book!
This is definitely one of the best Christian books I have ever read! Steve Miller takes the reader through the whole history of Christian music, from the time when only psalms were acceptable, all the way up to CCM. In doing this he lovingly shows how all these different styles of music can communicate to completely different cultures and times. He also takes common arguments against CCM and breaks them down to show that our God is a God who can and does speak through all forms of music, whether it be traditional hymns, or more modern-day CCM. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who's open to finding out more about God and music ... Read more

Product Description
Music and Theology will be a volume in the Horizons in Theology series. It will offer a relatively brief but highly engaging essay on the major concerns and questions regarding Music as it intersects with theology—past and present. Don Saliers is a senior scholar in this field, one who is able to address in a clear and concise style the scope and contours of this question as it relates to theological inquiry and application. He will sketch the nature and significance of the subject, the history of reflection, the current lines of inquiry, and his own contribution to the discussion. The scope of the essays cannot be exhaustive and completely interdisciplinary. Instead, Saliers will open the broader lines of discussion in suggestive, evocative, and programmatic ways. The Horizons in Theology serve as supplements and secondary required texts in colleges and seminaries, as well as the interested nonspecialist reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Starting points
Saliers starts from his experiences of music. What do we make of the revelatory experiences of Christian worship? Any study of the relationshps between music and religious belief ...must begin by acknowledging the power and yes, the mystery of music. Sung theology is praise and thankgiving, petitionary prayer, proclamation and narration of the mighty acts of God. Singing faith is the "cantus firmus of the whole Christian way of life. For all of this, there is still a difference between singing theological beliefs in hymns, anthems, and more extended musical forms, and the work of systematic inquiry into the meaning of theological claims, with the use of philosophical reasoning. Quoting Gelineau, "Music as art would not have such a wide range of connotations nor such a strong capacity to stimulate if it was not rooted in the totality of the cosmos and the human body, if it was not allied so closely to the mind and to the Spirit." For hearing music as the bearer of theoogical import requires not only a musical ear,...but also a sensibility for hearing music as revelatory. There is some analogies between faith and the experience of music: it is appropriate to speak of the mystery of what is hidden in music.
Faith becoming music is part of the process of the word becoming Flesh, indeed.
Rev. Virgil C. Funk

From Abingdon Press
This book offers a relatively brief but highly engaging essay on the major concerns and questions regarding music as it intersects with theology--past and present. The author is a senior scholar in this field, one who is able to address in a clear and concise style the scope and contours of this question as it relates to theological inquiry and application. He will sketch the nature and significance of the subject, the history of reflection, the current lines of inquiry, and his own contribution to the discussion. The scope of the essays cannot be exhaustive and completely interdisciplinary. Instead, the author opens the broader lines of discussion in suggestive, evocative, and programmatic ways. The Horizons in Theology serve as supplements and secondary required texts in colleges and seminaries, as well as the interested non-specialist reader.
... Read more

Product Description
Spanish church music prior to the work of Francisco de Peñalosa at the end of the fifteenth century is little known and studied, partly because much of it is anonymous and scattered throughout a number of manuscripts. This book is therefore a much-needed study, identifying and examining nearly seventy pieces of surviving Latin sacred music written in Spain between 1400 and the early 1500s, and discussing them source by source; the author argues that they reveal a rapid and dramatic change, not only in style and sophistication, but in the level of self-consciousness they demonstrate, creating a new national music as Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain were creating a new nation. He moves on from this to set Peñalosa's work, written in a more mature, northern-oriented style which influenced Iberian composers for generations after his death, follows on from this pieces, in this context.

The arrival of Francisco de Peñalosa at the Aragonese court in May 1498 marks something of an epoch in the history of Spanish music: Peñalosa wrote in a mature, northern-oriented style, and his sacred music influenced Iberian composers for generations after his death. But it didn't come from nowhere. Kenneth Kreitner's new book takes on the church music sung by Spaniards in the decades before Peñalosa, a repertory that has long been ignored because much of it is anonymous and because scattered through manuscripts better known for something else. Kreitner has identified sixty-seven pieces of surviving Latin sacred music that were written in Spain between 1400 and the early 1500s, and he discusses them source by source, revealing a rapid and dramatic change, not only in the style and sophistication of these pieces, but in the level of composerly self-consciousness shown in the manuscripts. Within a generation or so at the end of the fifteenth century, Spanish musicians created a new national music just as Ferdinand and Isabella were creating a new nation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Charting Unknown Waters
Kenneth Kreitner's book provides the first good English-language coverage of church music in 16th-century Spain. It is accessible to read, it presents the music in systematic fashion with many music examples that allow the reader to get a real feel for the music. For those of us who teach Spanish music in the English-speaking world, this book will be on the list essential reading. ... Read more

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Music education is within your grasp. This book can help you nurture and encourage your child's understanding and appreciation of music. Dr. Froehlich will give you an overview of music history, teach ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Reference for the Serious Music Educator & Parent.
This is a "must-read" book for every serious music educator andevery parent looking for advice on providing a well-rounded musicaleducation for their child!Dr. Froehlich has managed to hit upon the keypoints for musical "success" in a succint manner.I read theentire book through in one sitting...I couldn't put it down.There is areview of the common musical education techniques: Kodaly; Dalcroze;Suzuki; and Orff-Schulwerk. There are many wonderful biblical referencesthat pertain to the importance of music in worshipping God.The author haspresented a compelling treatise on music's important place in one's ownworship experience and also offers tips and checklists for making sureparents find the best source of music education for their child.Everychurch musician, private music teacher, school music teacher, andespecially parent should have this wonderful book in their library! ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of 30 songs to the Heavenly Host and especially to Christ as King of Angels. Words, music, and chord symbols are provided. The songs are intended for the harp but may also be played on other instruments. ... Read more

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A rabbit shares the joy of Christmas with his friends and finds that it is returned several times over. ... Read more

Product Description
10 great contemporary Christian songs from top artists, with sound-alike instrumental tracks for performing. The companion CD also includes a full performance of the song. This collection is quite a bargain, considering that an instrumental track for one song usually costs about $10. For $19.95 you get tracks and performances for 10 songs, and the full piano/vocal edition of each in the songbook! Contents: Can't Live a Day (Avalon) * God Is in Control (Twila Paris) * The Great Divide (Point of Grace) * Healing Hands (Jonathan Pierce) * Heaven in the Real World (Steven Curtis Chapman) * I Could Sing of Your Love Forever (SonicFlood) * I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb (Ray Boltz) * Let Us Pray (Steven Curtis Chapman) * A Place Called Grace (Phillips, Craig and Dean) * We Can Make a Difference (Jaci Velasquez). ... Read more

Product Description
An amazing collection of 200 lyrics from some of the most popular Contemporary Christian songs of all time: Abba (Father) * After the Rain * Angels * Awesome God * Breathe on Me * Circle of Friends * Doubly Good to You * Down on My Knees * El Shaddai * Father's Eyes * Friends * Give It Away * Go Light Your World * God's Own Fool * Grand Canyon * The Great Adventure * The Great Divide * He Walked a Mile * Heaven and Earth * Heaven in the Real World * His Strength Is Perfect * Household of Faith * How Beautiful * I Surrender All * Jesus Freak * Joy in the Journey * Judas' Kiss * A Little More * Live Out Loud * Love Will Be Our Home * A Maze of Grace * The Message * My Utmost for His Highest * Oh Lord, You're Beautiful * People Need the Lord * Pray * Say the Name * Signs of Life * Speechless * Stand * Steady On * Via Dolorosa * The Warrior Is a Child * What Matters Most * Would I Know You * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

So close and yet so far
As the excellent review by Messick indicates, this volume is an introduction to the history of sacred music in Western Christianity. This history is painted in broad strokes using representative figures to represent the various eras of musical style.Kavanaugh provides recommendations for listening - recommendations that are accessible to the interested reader.One needs neither theological or musical background to appreciate the book or the recommended music.

Even recognizing the need to be selective, however, I have one objection to the book's selectivity.By failing to discuss the popular religious music of the medieval and renaissance periods - for example the pilgrimage songs - the book implies a shift in sacred music with the rise of Protestant hymnody and the gospel song without recognizing its antecedents.With this reservation, I recommend this volume as a solid introduction to sacred music.

A solid introduction and survey
Patrick Kavanaugh's book 'The Music of Angels' is a good survey and overview of the music of the Christian tradition from the earliest days to the present.The book is organised according to three broad sections:Hebrew Psalms to the Renaissance (roughly the first 1500 years, coinciding with the beginning-to-Reformation pattern often followed in history); Baroque to Hymnology (Reformation to the nineteenth century); and Twentieth Century.

In the earliest category, development of music derived from the Hebrew synagogue influences of worship music to monophonic chant of different styles, and finally into medieval polyphony and the Renaissance.Much of the music of this period is simple but subtle and beautiful; this is not an era of congregational singing, although monastic communities might incorporate the entire community as singers.Medieval polyphony and the Renaissance periods are when we start knowing composers' names; styles began to differentiate according to national and denominational lines in the late period, with masters of vocal polyphony (Palestrina, Tallis, etc.) and composers who began to be known beyond sacred composition (Gabrieli).

The Baroque period is arguably the pinnacle of achievement in Christian sacred music thus far, but it is also the period during which composers began to experiment more widely and become better known for secular compositions.Names such as Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Handel and J.S. Bach come from this time, and new forms of music setting (the oratorio, cantata, passion, etc.) came of age.Following the Baroque period were Classical and Romantic periods - while the composers in these periods did sacred composition, most are known for their secular works primarily if not exclusively in the popular mind (Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, etc.).

Christian music in worship settings was beginning to take on a more participatory role, and the era of hymn singing and composition took hold, particularly in America.Standard settings of hymns according to familiar patterns (harmonisation according to SATB patterns, for example) and the ready availability of printed hymns made congregational singing the primary musical expression in most worship settings.There were still solos and choir pieces, but by and large, the congregation expected (and was expected) to sing.Hymn writers could sometimes be massively prolific, as in the case of the likes of Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby, who each produced thousands of hymns.

The twentieth century saw music shifts influenced significantly by technological change.The availability of instruments as well as the on-demand availability of music of all styles thanks to recording technology made music explode in style and diversity.Christian music still had to battle the kinds of prejudices among the faithful that it often had to fight all along - these things are 'popular' and therefore not 'Christian' or 'spiritual'.

Kavanaugh explores all of these issues, with good detail even if it is rather sparse at times in discussion of the overall aesthetic values and aspects of the music itself.Kavanaugh introduces significant personalities in side-bar boxes with highlights, and lists selected representative music pieces for listening at the end of each chapter.The Further Readings section is a massive 25-page addition, and there is a useful index.
Kavanaugh writes for the general audience; no specific musical or theological training is assumed.As a result, the text can sometimes be more elementary than those with music backgrounds might hope, but this is a good text for use in introductory classes, or for introducing congregations and groups to the breadth of music history in the Christian tradition in an accessible way.

... Read more

Product Description
Featuring world-class performances of some of Mozart s best-loved compositions, to provide a rich and engaging play experience for very young children and their parents. Age: 0-3 Format: CD Publisher: The Children s Group ISBN: 189450254X ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good for mom and baby
I had a very fussy baby who loved music so I was alwasy looking for something to calm her nerves and mine. This was great!

Fenomenal
Bueno este cd es muy bueno y realmente da a los niños mucha paz y tranquilidad, creo que cumple las expectativas para lo cual fue creado y le doy muy buena aceptacion, comprenlo ya...
Edgar Vidal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This book changed my musical life
I am a music fanatic and committed Christian who had always had a bias against contempory christian music because of the "elevator" quality of the music I had been exposed to.I am a fan of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Clash, U2 and Johnny Cash; and the world of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith held no appeal to me (unfortunately that is what I thought all Christian rock sounded like).One day I picked this book up in the bargain bin at a bookstore out of curiosity and it quite frankly opened up a whole new reality of Christian music for me.I discovered that there are committed artists that have the integrity of their faith, and yet have freedom and vision in their music to create anything as beautiful and strange as other artists.I believe that Michael Roe and Larry Norman are musical geniuses and have remained underground precisely because they are identified as Christian music.I digress, simply check this book out and explore the music of Norman, 77s, LSU, Adam Again, Lost Dogs, Stonehill, the Choir, Mark Heard, Daniel Amos and many others . . .

The Good, the Bad, and the Forgettable
Note: I am not giving 3 stars to the art of CCM, but to this book.

The good: it deservingly pinpoints some of the best that have been given the short-thrift... and is right on... for example: the no.4 for Mark Heard's harrowing, unforgettable, _Second Hand_, well worth the search.Also: MWS's The Big Picture, Phil Keaggy's _Crimson and Blue_, Ashley Cleveland's _Big Town_.

The bad: It lowers some of the significant achievements down the list, because they sound dated... "Age to Age" (from Amy Grant) nor "with Footnotes" (from 2nd Chapter of Acts) did NOT deserve to drop from Top 10 status (which is where they were in the original June '98 issue) to below 75.

Even worse, they seem to ignore Catholic artists entirely: such as John Michael Talbot's _The Lord's Supper_, _Come to the Quiet_, _The Painter_ (with brother Terry) or _Brother to Brother_ (with Michael Card).Those albums have not dated an iota, and are more significant by helping heal the chasm between Protestants and Catholics, but CCM magazine would not think that's good enough.

The ugly:CCM was at its purest in the 70s, and was at its best musically in the 90s.The 80s belonged to Amy Grant, and whomever she touched (MWS, Michael Card, Rich Mullins, Degarmo and Key, Kathy Troccolli).Other than that, the 80s should have the least number of albums, and the 70s and 90s should battle it out for both authenticity and good solid music.

Other than that, it's a throwaway read.You learn a little, but don't really remember those artists that you don't know.You're far more inclined to read who you do know, and what you own, and that's about it.

Essential for all CCM buffs
OK, we have a problem here. No way that Amy Grant's "Lead Me On" is the #1 greatest Christian album of all time. In her wildest dreams she never put out anything as good as Leslie Phillips' "The Turning" (which is #8). In fact, Amy's best album IMHO, "Unguarded", didn't even make the list. My pick for the best CCM album of all time is Randy Stonehill's "Welcome to Paradise", which made #13. If you just hear it once, you'll agree with me. I'm sure of that!

Of course, my disagreements with the selections, and the order thereof, does not detract from the value of this book one iota. The very purpose of a book like this is to provoke discussion, awareness, and appreciation of the subject matter. And the editors of CCM Magazine know this subject backwards and forwards. The write-ups on these albums whet one's appetite to track down and purchase some of these fine recordings. Unfortunately, some are out of print (just try to find the album at #4, "Second Hand" by Mark Heard. I know some of you are saying "Mark who?"). The intro makes it clear that these aren't just critical favorites, but popular impact is also taken into consideration, therefore these are the "Greatest" as opposed to the "Best". That's how, for example, "The Champion" by Carman made the list (at #99), because if you've read CCM Magazine over the years, you know the critics don't exactly have a love affair going with Carman, which is made fairly clear in the book as well.

I believe one of the most interesting sections comes at the end where each contributor gets to list some of their favorites that didn't make the final cut. Maybe it would have been informative to make it a Top 200. Even then, some of the personal favorites of yours and mine would probably be left off. Oh, well, this book is still great for anyone wanting to build a definitive CCM collection or to fill in the gaps of their existing collection. Or to hope and pray that someday all of these musical offerings will be available once more.

A Great Read About Great Albums
CCM first published a list of the 100 Greatest albums in their 20th anniversary issue back in 1998. For this book they went back and re-worked the original list, adding newer deserving albums and considering oversights from the original 100.

As with any list of greats there will be controversy. Newer Christian music fans will wonder why some of their favorites aren't included. Conservative fans will debate whether groups like U2 should appear (they place two albums). Mainstream fans will puzzle over the inclusion of some projects that had more critical significance than popular acceptance. And fans of specific artists will debate whether the selected albums really are the best that artist had to offer. Yet in spite of all of that, I can't argue with too many of the choices. Most of the true greats are here, and any criticisms I can offer are more minor than serious.

Some albums I would've liked to have seen included are Whiteheart's FREEDOM, Michael W Smith's i 2 (EYE), and Susan Ashton's WAKENED BY THE WIND.

With each selection comes a write up that summarizes the historical context and significance of the project more than reviews it. The contributors are all heavyweights, like John W. Styll and Brian Q. Newcomb, and their essays were interesting and nostalgic. My only real complaint is that they didn't write enough. I would've loved to have seen some hard core research and information presented, a la the work of Fred Bronson in his Billboard books. Sometimes they don't even fill the given page. But that aside, this is a fantastic resource for long time CCM fans as well as newer fans who desire to gain a better understanding of the history of the genre. Now if we could only get the record companies to re-release many of these projects that are out of print. Four and a half stars.

A Must-Have for CCM Fans!
If you have listened to Christian music from the 70's through the 90's you will love this book. The authors have done a marvelous job of setting each album in its historical and musical context and explaining why each album is significant.

I begain listening to Christian music in the mid-80's and remember (and own) many of the albums on the "100 Greatest" list.The book provided a very enjoyable and much-appreciated trip down memory lane.

I do need to share one small drawback, however--those who compiled the list seem to have left off some of the more significant albums of the 80's and 90's in favor of those they judge to be more artistically and culturally important.For instance, how could they leave out Michael W. Smith's "i (2) Eye," the album which most of his long-time fans agree is his definitive work (and which never sounds dated)?And Steven Curtis Chapman, the most celebrated and awarded Christian artist ever, has only one album on the list!(I would have chosen "Signs of Life," "Speechless" or "For the Sake of the Call" as perhaps his best album.)

But rather than detracting from the book, these minor qualms actually point out its value--to get Christian music fans talking, reminiscing and debating about the music that has changed their lives.Even though everyone is likely to find some of their favorite albums missing from the list, this book is a great gift to fans of Christian music.

One final note: Their choice for the #1 Christian album of all time--Amy Grant's "Lead Me On"--is right on the money! ... Read more

Product Description
Charlie Christian is regarded by many jazz historians as one of the major voices who shaped modern jazz in the early 1940s. Although he made only a few records before his tragic death at age 25, his brilliant improvisations, phenomenal rhythmic drive, and blues-influenced guitar playing had already changed the course of jazz - and the guitar's place in jazz - for all him. The first major soloist on the electric guitar, Christian elevated the instrument from its meager role in the rhythm section to a spirited force to be reckoned with. Updated and expanded, Peter Broadbent's second edition of this book details the full importance of Christian's brief life, from the start of his fortuitous encounter with John Hammond, to his role in the Benny Goodman Big Band and Sextet. Illustrated throughout with great photos and important documents, the book also features a new authoritative discography. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of jazz and the jazz guitar. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book but buy the right one!
Despite what other reviewers state, I liked this book.There were even some great anecdotes from other musicians that knew CC.T-Bone Walker states that he used to jam with Charlie Christian on a street corner...that would be a sight to see and hear!The other books in the series are Wes Montgomery and Django, I own them all.I like the discography at the end and the pics are great too! ... Read more

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The Missa Solemnis is a document of extraordinary richness from the last decades of Beethoven's creative life.In this accessible guide, William Drabkin considers the work as an expression of the most celebrated text of the Roman Catholic faith and as an example from a tradition of Mass settings in eighteenth and early nineteenth-century Austria.The opening chapters present various critical perspectives on the Missa Solemnis and chart the history of its composition, first performances, and publication.But, above all, the work itself is considered in detail, including the overall design, connections between the movements, the orchestration, word painting, and programmatic elements. ... Read more