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A Concise History of Church Music
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March 23, 2025
William C. Rice’s book is highly informative. It offers a clear and detailed history of church music across denominations in England and the United States, from its early origins to the present. Rice’s thorough examination made me reflect on various aspects of church music, and I often found myself highlighting passages that resonated with me—some of which are listed below.
As I read, I also found myself seeking answers to new questions sparked by the text. In particular, I’m eager to explore the Oxford Movement, the concerns of early theologians and clergymen about music becoming secular—an outcome that indeed materialized—and the tradition of camp-meeting singing and gospel music, as discussed on page 78.
Beyond its insightful analysis, the book introduced me to many remarkable pieces of music I had never encountered before. Rice also generously recommends numerous excellent readings, further enriching my understanding of the subject.
This was an excellent introduction to the topic; I would gladly revisit it for future research.
"Most of the holiness had fled from beauty [in music], and beauty, in turn, had disowned holiness." (Rice, p. 93)
As I read, I also found myself seeking answers to new questions sparked by the text. In particular, I’m eager to explore the Oxford Movement, the concerns of early theologians and clergymen about music becoming secular—an outcome that indeed materialized—and the tradition of camp-meeting singing and gospel music, as discussed on page 78.
Beyond its insightful analysis, the book introduced me to many remarkable pieces of music I had never encountered before. Rice also generously recommends numerous excellent readings, further enriching my understanding of the subject.
This was an excellent introduction to the topic; I would gladly revisit it for future research.
"Most of the holiness had fled from beauty [in music], and beauty, in turn, had disowned holiness." (Rice, p. 93)
Displaying 1 of 1 review