Musicology of Religion: Theories, Methods, and Directions

Religion and music have been linked throughout history and topography, but their combined presence has not been considered a separate area of study and research. Musicology of religion is an innovative interdisciplinary field that draws upon theories and methods from the study of both religion and music, referencing examples from world religious traditions, and addressing challenges posed by critics. It envisions a unified field for religion and music that will spearhead new and creative paths in the study of religion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: State University of New York Press

Religion and music have long been recognized as universal phenomena, but their combined presence has not been studied as a distinct field of research. While there are well-established fields of anthropology, psychology, and philosophy of religion, the connections between religion and sound, chant, and music have not received the same level of attention. This book aims to establish musicology of religion as a unified field that integrates theories and methods from both religion and music. Drawing on examples from world religious traditions and addressing challenges posed by critics, musicology of religion will explore the ways in which music shapes and is shaped by religious practices and beliefs. It will draw upon the social sciences, ethnomusicology, philosophy, theology, liturgical studies, and cognitive studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between religion and music. By adopting a phenomenological and comparative analysis approach, musicology of religion will offer innovative perspectives and creative approaches to the study of religion. It will challenge existing assumptions and open up new avenues for research that will enrich our understanding of the role of music in religious expression and experience.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781438493114