Edward Dickinson History of Church Music

Annotation

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Religious song among the most ancient nations; Assyrians; Egyptians. Function of instrumental music in ancient religious ceremony. Symbolism; miraculous origin and powers ascribed to music. The most ancient vocal music was probably a heightening of speech inflection, an irregular chanting; its rhythm was subject to that of the poetry. Music was not a free independent art. Har mony was unknown. Music therefore did not progress beyond a half-barbaric condition. Controlled by the priestly class who op posed innovation. Music among the Greeks was more refined, but restrained by similar ideas; made little sign of progress until after the golden age of Greek art was past.