Catholic Music through the Ages traces the development of the Church's music through the ages by placing the current liturgical musical landscape into proper historical context. By highlighting the common principles that the Church has used over time in addressing the expressive and formative dynamic of music, this work is able to present an informed discussion about the future so that the elements of spiritual solemnity, transcendence, and beauty are maintained, along with the expressive nature of contemporary music.
Catholic Music through the Ages highlights six key events in Church history:
Development of Gregorian Chant
Reforms of John XXII
Reforms of the Council of Trent
Reforms of Benedict XIV
Reforms of Pius X
Reforms of the Second Vatican Council
The scope of this historical study along with its informed discussion of the future makes it an essential text for seminarian worship courses, undergraduate worship students, pastors, music directors, deacons, liturgists, and libraries.