Figure 1.--

Music plays a major role in the Christian religion. The Christioan Church from an early point in its development incorporated music in religious celebrations. This seems to be, however, rather unique. Music appears to play a minor role or is completely absent in most other religions. Several religions use various forms of chanting, but actual music seems rare. We also do not know why Christianity is unique in this regard. This is, however, a topic that we know very little about. Hopefully HBC readers will provide some useful insights.

Buddhism

We know of no Buddhist musical tradition.. Buddhism does have a tradition of chanting. We know little about it. I am not aware of boys being involved in any of this in the same sense of a Christian boys' choir. We do not that boys become involved as monks at an early age.

Christianity

Music came to play an important part in Christian religious services. We are not entirely sure about the historical process in which this developed. It does not appear to have Jewish roots. We are less sure about the musical tradition in the various religions wiyth which Christianity competed within the Roman Empire. Boy choirs are noted at an early stage in the development of the Christian Church, at least by the 5th century. The Church has in turn played a role in the development of music. Just as much of medieval art focused on religious themes so did music focus on religious themes. The Church during the Dark ages was one of the few European institutions with the wealth to support both art and music. While music is important in most Christian faiths, the use of music has varied widely among the different denominations. Many boy choirs are associated with the Catholic Church. The Anglican Church in England is especially noted for its magnificent cathedral choirs. Protestant churches have also sponsored boy chours. Christianity is the religion with the strongest musical tradition. Many other religions seem to largely ignore music. insights here.

Hinduism

Islam

We know of no Islamic musical tradition. One reader writes, "I was of the understanding that Islam has no place for music beyond the Call to Prayer wailing from minarets." In the same way that Islamic artists are not allowed to depict any living creature, although some Islamic traditions are flexible on this. As with depictions of human form, the Islamic ban on music does not appear to be abolute. A reader writes, "In Indonesia for example Muhammedan prayers are often accompanied by instrumental music and some muezzin are good singers. When I lived in Indonesia in the 1970s I stayed next to a mosque both in Jakarta and in the South Sumatra Highlands and prayers were sung from the minaret five times a day . Waking up at half past five with the muezzin's ethereal sholat suhud is a cherished memory."

Judiasm

Created: 5:36 AM 12/24/2004
Last updated: 5:36 AM 12/24/2004