A Church of Norway musician/independent scholar traces the Jewish roots of early Christian music. In this survey of the music of ancient Judaism and early Christianity, Smith discusses the role
and sources of music in each tradition and relationship between the two. While not directly treating theology, he examines underlying religious beliefs, attitudes toward music in a religious
context, and the ritual setting and repertoire of sacred music: e.g., at the Tabernacle, Second Temple, the earliest Christian songs, and musical genres (psalmody, and hymnody) in monastic
devotions. He argues against notions of female musicians and an orchestra at the Jewish Temples. The appendix lists Septuagint and Vulgate concordances for musical terms in the Hebrew Bible
built on the root ZMR. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
