Christian music
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Christian music | |
| Stylistic origins |
various
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|---|---|
| Cultural origins |
various
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| Typical instruments |
various
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| Mainstream popularity | International |
| Derivative forms | Contemporary Christian Southern Gospel Urban contemporary gospel |
| Subgenres | |
| Christian pop Christian rock Christian hardcore Christian metal Christian metalcore Christian alternative Christian Industrial Christian punk Bluegrass gospel Christian country music (sometimes called Country Gospel) Progressive Southern Gospel Jubilee quartet Christian hip hop Mass choirs Gospel blues |
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| Other topics | |
| Byzantine music Gregorian chant Hymn Mass (music) Contemporary worship music |
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Christian music (sometimes marketed as Inspirational music, Praise music, Worship music, or Contemporary Christian Music/CCM) is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music.
Like other forms of music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of Christian music varies according to culture and social context. Christian music is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. However, a common theme of most Christian music is praise, worship, and thanks to God, Jesus Christ.
Contents |
[edit] Genres and subgenres
Christian music can be divided into several genres and sub-genres, although the dividing lines and relationships between music genres are often subtle, sometimes open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial. These genres (sometimes referred to as 'style') like other forms of music may be distinguished by the techniques, the styles, the context and the themes, or geographical origin. Historic categories and genres include (but are not limited to): Hymns, Motets, sequences, psalmody, antiphons, Contemporary Christian music, Southern Gospel, and Urban contemporary gospel. Specific subgenres of Christian music may include (but are not limited to): Progressive Southern Gospel, Christian country music, Christian pop, Christian rock, Christian metal (including Christian metalcore), Christian punk, Christian alternative rock, Christian hip hop (including Christian rap), Jubilee quartet, and Mass choir music.
[edit] Biblical foundations for Christian music in worship
Christian music in praise and worship has its roots in the Old Testament of the Bible. Praise is a vital part of worship in many Christian churches offering believers the opportunity to express their joy and gratitude to God. One of the most important purposes of worship expression in the Jewish and Christian faith is to praise God.
The Book of Psalms in the Old Testament offers many chapters of praise and worship, and is often recited in various forms in both Judaism and Christianity. The Book of Psalms is comprised of five separate "books" of prayer and praise. David, who is believed to be the author of portions of the Psalms, was a harpist and composer who incorporated praise and worship into temple worship.
On seven different occasions the phrase "make a joyful noise" is found in the King James Version of Psalms. The Book of Psalms encourages worship by clapping hands, playing various musical instruments, shouting, and singing. "O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (Psalm 95.6, King James Version) is a passage showing a humble attitude is important in worship of God. One of the most recognized passages is Psalm 100 with its urging to "serve the LORD with gladness; come before his presence with singing." His people are to "enter his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise."
Although some Christian churches do not believe in worship with musical instruments, most Jewish temples and synagogues as well as Christian churches use instruments of various types in their worship. Singing is often a part of the worship experience.
[edit] Performance
Christian music may also be classified based upon the setting it is performed. The most traditional way is to hear Christian music is live, in the presence of, or as one of the musicians in a worship or religious setting.
[edit] Worship Services
The most prevalent performances of Christian music are at religious or worship services. Traditionally this has been done at church buildings on Sunday morning, however it may be done through a church at other days and nights of the week or at other venues, such as coffeehouses, concert halls, campuses, or even bars. Specifics forms of performance music include (but are not limited to): Liturgical Music, Mass (music), or Worship service. Such performances may include a Worship leader, choir, worship band, and/or Worship presentation program.
[edit] Music Festivals & Conferences
A number of Christian music festivals have been organized. The first one was the Ichthus Music Festival which started in 1970, and the biggest ones are the Cornerstone Festival and Creation Festival which may draw upwards of 100,000 people. They are common in the summertime and draw many different people, specifically those from organized groups such as church youth groups and campus groups. In addition to music festivals like those that are part of the Christian Festival Association, there are also many Christian conferences which focus more on speakers, but usually also have musical performances, especially for a Worship service.
[edit] Concerts
Like any musical group or act, many Christian musical artists perform concerts in concert halls, bars & clubs, outdoor venues, or wherever else an secular musician might play. Sometimes it may be fore pure entertainment, other times with the intention of proselytizing or witnessing, and other times may be part worship as well.
[edit] Media
Today Christian music is available through most available media. Christian music is broadcast over the radio, television or the internet. Christian Albums and video recordings (CD, LP, digital download, DVD, etc.) have been increasingly more popular and have continued to increase in sales.
[edit] See also
- Byzantine music
- Contemporary Christian music
- Gospel music
- Gregorian chant
- Hymn
- Mass (music)
- Contemporary worship music
- Worship presentation program
[edit] External links
- News and Information
- Christian Music Central - Christian Music Videos - Music Video Source
- New Christian Music Releases and Upcoming Release Schedule
[edit] Sources
[edit] Suggested reading
- Boyer, Horace Clarence, How Sweet the Sound: The Golden Age of Gospel Elliott and Clark, 1995, ISBN 0-252-06877-7.
- Broughton, Viv, Too Close To Heaven - The Illustrated History Of Gospel Music, Midnight Books, 1996, ISBN 1-900516-00-4
- Albert E Brumley & Sons, The Best of Albert E Brumley, Gospel Songs, 1966, ISBN na-paperback Amazing Grace
- Darden, Robert, People Get Ready: A New History of Black Gospel Music Continuum International Publishing Group, 2005, ISBN 0-8264-1752-3.
- Heilbut, Tony, The Gospel Sound: Good News and Bad Times Limelight Editions, 1997, ISBN 0-87910-034-6.
- Zolten, Jerry, Great God A' Mighty!:The Dixie Hummingbirds - Celebrating The Rise Of Soul Gospel Music, Oxford University Press, 2003, ISBN 0-19-515272-7.
- Church Music in Catholic Encyclopedia
- Enciclopedia Cecilia (in Spanish) Includes a Catholic Encyclopedia about music, wiki-style
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