Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1970

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Robinson, Kenneth H.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to become familiar with Christian sacred music written from the period of the Renaissance through the twentieth century. The procedure for obtaining the information necessary to complete this investigation was through extensive study and research from many books of several libraries. This type of investigation is based upon historical facts rather than philosophy and supposition. This investigation has revealed that the major periods of musical history are as follows: (1) Renaissance (2) Baroque (3) Classical (4) Romantic-Impressionism (5) Contemporary. The major types of sacred music that resulted from these periods are the Mass, oratorio, Passion music, cantata, sacred opera, anthem, chorale and motet. Some of the important conclusions of this investigation are that: (1) Each period is a product of the times, influenced by wars, religion and politics, which affected the types of music. (2) The classification of music in accordance with productions for concert, small and formal churches are as follows: Concert: Oratorios, Mass, sacred opera, Passion music. Formal Church: Mass, cantata, anthem, motet and chorale. Small Church: Cantata, anthem, motet, chorale and hymn. (3) Italy, France, England and Germany had the greatest influence on the types and styles of music. (4) The most significant types of music from these periods are the Mass and Oratorio (in that order). (5) The Renaissance produced the most sacred music of all these periods. (6) The Romantic period produced the least amount of sacred music of these periods. (7) The source of the major sacred works were mostly from the Bible; more specifically from Psalms and the Gospels. (8) Bach is the composer who has retained the most popularity and is significant in composing the largest number of sacred works throughout these periods. (9) Of the major composers listed in the thesis (excluding those of the Contemporary period), Liszt probably wrote the least amount of sacred music, although he was deeply concerned with the Divine Service of the Church.

Extent

98 p.

Comments

College of Education|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1970.|College of Education

Identifier

FA00000630

Format

pdf

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