Church Music History Timeline

Music in the Old Testament

TOPIC 1

Music in the old testament was a crucial part of worship. Musical worship was practiced both in the tabernacle and later in temple. Psalms were commonly sung. Choirs were also common and often accompanied by string, wind or percussive instruments. It is believed that much music of the temple was lead by the Levites or the priests and that the people would often watch and possibly participate in some call and response forms of worship. Synagogue readings and prayers were also mostly likely chanted.

PSalms in new & old testaments

topic 2

Our textbook calls Psalms "the womb of church music". Psalms represent some of our oldest and logest lasting chuch music. 75 of 150 psalms are attributed to David. They were a part of Christian worship in both the Old and New Testaments and are still part of our worship today. Pslams have been sung in formats as simple as chants and as complex as Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. Today many churches include the reading of psalms as a regular part of their liturgical services, and even many contemporary worship songs are inspired by the psalms.

The Eucharist

TOPIC 3

As the early church developed their worship, the practice of the Eucharist became a central element. in the beginning, the church may have even taken communion daily, but eventually it became a weekly practice which was held on Sundays as part of the celebration of the resurrection. These services evolved over time. The practice of communion as part of their gathering was a big part of how the church's liturgy and music developed during the coming centuries.

THe nicene creed

TOPIC 4

During 311-313 Christianity became legal under the rule of Emperor Constantine. The Nicene Creed was created at the Council of Niceae in 325. This creed is still spoken today in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, and several major Protestant movements. This creed was solidified at a time in history when heresy was becoming more and more prevalent which added to it's importance. During this time many churches attempted to address theological issues through the lyrics of their songs. Which is a big part of the reason this creed is so significant when looking back and attempting to understand the church of the past.

Rejection of instruments

TOPIC 5

Music of the Old Testament included much instrumentation, During the New Testament Vocal music began to be exalted above isntrumental music. But then after the New Testament some major church leaders firmly argued that instruments were not becoming to Christian Worship. These leaders included Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Basil the Great and John Chrysostom. On eof the main reason these leaders firmly rejected and eventually banned instrumental music was because instrumental music was associated with a lot of sin in the world at that time.

Exclusion of women

TOPIC 6

During the early days of the Christian church, during the first and second church it was considered completely acceptable for women to participate in corporate worship. during the third century Paul of Samosata began organizing the women into separate choirs to perform for the liturgy. At this time the organization of choirs of virgin boys also began. However Ambrose strongly disagreed with this practice. But Isidore of Pelusium firmly pushed the opinion that allowing women to sing in church was form or sign of moral depravity.

Ambrose versus Augustine versus Pambo...

TOPIC 7

There was some dispute amongst early church leaders regarding attitudes towards the use of music in worship. Ambrose (340-397) is remembered for advocating the use of music, most notably psalms, as part of Christian worship. Other leaders, Including and Egyptian named Pambo (317-367), argued that the use of music presents more dangers of lust or fleshly pleasure than spiritual benefits and therefore advocated silence. Augustine (354-430) was somewhere in the middle. He believed that there were some dangers associated with musical expression but also believed it to be a natural part of worship. Therefore he advocated the restriction of musical expressions in the church.

The Great Schism

Topic 8

The Great Schism was an event in the year 1054 which finally separated the Eastern and Western church; both sides excommunicated the other. At first the differences between the eastern and western churches were just that, geographical. But with the progression of time more and more differences arose. The eastern church used the Greek language while the western church used Latin. Several theological issues arose as well such as the use of unleavened bread, and the inclusion of the phrase "and the Son" in the Nicene creed. All of these issues and others, including political issues eventually led to possibly the most significant church split in history.

“Father of Gregorian Chant,”

TOPIC 9

Pope Gregory the Great(540-604) is often referred to as the "Father of Gregorian Chant". This is not because he invented Gregorian chant, but rather because of his involvement with the organization of worship at the time of its invention and practice. Gregorian chant was an important part of worship during this time. And this time in church history is very significant because the church liturgy was become more and more organized and yes, it was quite musical and used Gregorian chant on a regular basis.

Introduction of the organ

TOPIC 10

The organ was probably introduced sometime around 1000 to 1300. Remember that for several hundreds of years instruments have been unacceptable in the church setting. So this instrument being introduced into church music is quite significant indeed. Some of the main reasons this instrument was accepted without much argument is because it had no association with pagan or immoral practices or cultures, it was considered useful for teaching mathematical principles, and it's ability to fill large spaces with sound.

the most significant church split of all time

Each of the ten subjects discussed in this timeline had an affect on church music history in one capactity or another. And I truly believe that without anyone of these events, music as we know it today could be substantcially different. However the event that I believe is the most significant out of these ten is the Great Schism of 1054. up until this point in history, there was essentially just one "church". This split divided the church in half and they each developed formt hat point independent of one another. This split also set a precedent, and many massive church splits occur later on arguable because this first church split set the example. The two separate denominations which came from the split are currently the largest Christian denominations on the planet.

Conclusions

Sources

https://courses.evangel.edu/courses/21664/files/folder/PowerPoint%20Files?preview=843168

https://catholicexchange.com/a-patron-saint-for-musicians-singers

https://www.britannica.com/event/Schism-of-1054

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/thisday/jul16/great-schism/