The Role of Music in Different Religious Traditions - Essay Example

What is the Role of Music in Different Religious Traditions? Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Introduction Music plays an essential role in the lives of different individuals. It has become relatively difficult to imagine a world without music. People have the right to choose the music that they want to listen to. However these people are also subjected to music from different sources. Music plays the role of communicating different emotions, thought sand inspirations to different individuals who belong to different races, cultures, religion and traditions. The use of music in different religious practices is an indication that music plays a crucial role in ensuring the spiritual and emotional wellbeing in the lives of its subjects. The main objective of this paper is to assess the role of music in different religious traditions. This paper will focus on Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Judaism Judaism is considered as one of the oldest religious faiths in the word today. This means that music from this tradition is also diverse considering that it dates back to thousands of years (Friedmann 2009, p. 156). It is important to note that the rhythm and sounds of Jewish music varies considering that it is dependent on the origin of the Jewish music composers. The earliest form of Jewish music was used in Synagogues and this had its basis on the system that was defined in the temple at Jerusalem (Friedmann 2009, p. 160). The orchestra for instance was composed of about twelve musical instruments and they included harps, drums, cymbals and a choir which was constituted by twelve male singers (Smith 2011, p. 26). However, after the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem music was relatively banned in the Jewish religious traditions, however, as years progressed, the governing bodies relaxed their restrictions and this saw the introduction of liturgical poems which were popularly known as Piyyutim (Smith 2011, p. 26). On numerous occasions this poems were sung as melodies by the Cantor. The poems were later transformed into melodies were used to facilitate preaching in the Jewish tradition. Most of these poems and music were based on biblical phrases which were used to recall songs from the temple at Jerusalem (Friedmann 2009, p. 163). Currently, music forms an integral part of Jewish worship. Traditionally inn the synagogues religious services were characterized by chanting and loud singing of Torah readings (Friedmann 2009, p. 163). Different melodies were employed during prayers and in Torah readings on weekdays, in different religious festivals and during Shabbat (Friedmann 2009, p. 164). Music was therefore used as a means of communication the type of ceremony it is important to note that during Shabbat and holidays traditional Jewish communities only used their voices in singing and it was forbidden to play any medicinal instrument (Smith 2011, p. 29). Klezmer music forms an integral part of understanding the use of music in Judaism. Klezmer means instrument of songs and in the Jewish tradition it was not only considered as a form of music but also as a way of life in religious and secular life (Friedmann 2009, p. 166). This type of music was largely influenced by gypsy, Russian and Hungarian music. Weddings form an integral part of Jewish religious festivals. This explains why Klezmer music was also used in traditional Jewish weddings (Smith 2011, p. 33). Typically, a Jewish wedding included a procession that was welcoming the bride while singing religious songs. The climax of the celebrations would be playing of music and musical instruments (Friedmann 2009, p. 167). This was considered as the time for musicians to show off their talents. The tunes and dances that characterized wedding ceremony included Freylikhs, a lively dance; Sher, a lively square dance; and Khusidi a slow dance (Smith 2011, p. 39). Music in the rational Jewish society served the purpose of enhancing religious ceremonies considering that music contains biblical verses from Psalms of David and the Songs of Solomon (Smith 2011, p. 56). It is also important to note that music was also instrumental in Judaism due to its inspirational role in the society. Most music in Jewish traditions were written in a harmonic key, revealing the expectation on the purpose of music as an instrument used in the creation of a harmonic feeling (Smith 2011, p. 56). Klezmer music for instance is expresses the purpose of creating the needed harmony in the Jewish society (Friedmann 2009, p. 170). Examples of Klezmere music include Music from the Musical “Fiddler on the Roof”, “If I were a Rich Man” “Sunrise, Sunset (wedding scene). There was also music from musical Oliver, “I’m Reviewing the Situation” Christianity Just like Judaism, music forms an integral part of Christianity especially in the Christian worship, during celebrations, ceremonies and festivals such as thanksgiving among other celebrations that are used to show the feelings of the believers towards God (Bailey et al 2005, p. 36). Music from the Christian perspective plays the role of uniting the congregation and this enabled God to be worshipped in one voice (Pendle 2001, p. 28). In the Christianity different forms of music are used in different Christian denominations to serve varieties of purposes that are related to Christian worship and they include hymns, psalms, gospels songs, contemporary music that fuses different genres of music borrowed from religious and secular worlds (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 46). In addition, instrumental music is also used in Christian worship especially during meditation and reflection (Bailey et al 2005, p. 39). Christian music is often considered as music that has been written in ways that are expressive of personal or communal beliefs in regard to Christian faith and life. There are themes that characterize Christian music and they include patience, praise, worship, penitence, celebration and lamentations (Bailey et al 2005, p. 67). These themes vary across defend denominations across the world and they are largely dependent on the purpose of the music. During worship most Christina songs are often accompanied by musical instruments (Pendle 2001, p. 30). The techniques employed in the composition of music, the singing and playing of instruments are often derived from biblical references that define the art of music, dance, singing and playing instruments (Pendle 2001, p. 31). Music can be derived from the biblical book of Psalm and this forms part of praise songs considering that the main intention of the writer of Psalm was to use all the available resources in praising and worshiping God for different successes and gifts that he had provided to ensure the wellbeing of man while on earth (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 56). Since the introduction of Christianity, Christiana music has been influential in worship. For instance Psalms were initially sung in Syrian Monastery and different churches as part of verse and response for worshippers (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 66). These services were led by Levite leaders. Psalms were followed by the introduction of hymns which originated from compositions by different Christians in early days who were inspired poets. In addition, these poems adapted melodies from early chants and these provided tunes that could be used in singing (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 67). One of the major movements in Christianity, the Catholic Church was instrumental in enhancing the role of music in Christian worship especially by introducing Canticle which was characterized by singing of passages of the bible at different times and sin different ceremonies. Canticle is considered as an important part of catholic worship today (Pendle 2001, p. 56). Mass, in the Middle Ages became the most essential part of worship in the Catholic Church and the type of music that was used in these masses were dependent on the feast that was being celebrated (Bailey et al 2005, p. 37). In the ordinary mass there were five music sections that were characterized by singing relevant music according to the session. Music in these sessions were accompanies by instrumental music from the organist (Pendle 2001, p. 58). It is important to note that by the end of the middle ages, the Council of Trent developed new regulations of music where members of the congregation were expected to be active participants in the process. It was therefore a requirement for music composers to simplify their music in ways that would make it easier for the congregation to sing (Pendle 2001, p. 67). The simplification was also aimed at marinating the beauty of the melody. One of the major outcomes of the direction by this council was that words were to be magnified to make them the most important parts of music (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 69). This explains why most church music that was composed in 1600 and the 1700s comprised of words that were inspirational as less focus was on the melody generated by the musical instruments. It is also noteworthy that the focus on musical words brought with it the expansion of religious music considering that music composers borrowed from secular and popular songs (Pendle 2001, p. 69). Music during this time began playing the role of entertainment especially when composers wrote religious words, translated them into hymns whose tunes were borrowed from popular anthems and chorus from both protestant and catholic churches (Pendle 2001, p. 69). There are numerous composers who were instrumental during this period. This includes Charles Wesley who is said to have composed about 2,000 hymns that borrowed tunes from religious and secular music. Most of Wesley’s songs are still in use today as part of Christian music (Kavanaugh & Barbara 2000, p. 179). In the current society, Christian music forms an important part of worship and most some of the songs that were composed by early composers have been translated into different languages to ensure that the congregation understands the role of music and the untended lessons (Pendle 2001, p. 78). Christian music has been merged with different secular genres such as rap, folk rock and country music. This was aimed at preserving the message of the church while ta the same time meeting the needs of individuals in the dynamic world of art. Islam Muslims unlike Christians and Jews believe in divinely created melody and harmony of life. This is based on the belief that God (Allah) is the creator of the universe and all its inhabitants for his own pleasure (Cornell 2007, p. 45). Before Allah thought and spoke of creation, there was nothing that was in existence. This is why Muslims believe that the universe is an Orchestra in itself and it is full of sounds, rhythms, and tones in a synchronized form to generate a melodious harmony (Shiloah 2003, p. 35). This, in the view of Muslims, is the greatest form of music that was composed by Allah as a gift for his love for humanity. During and after the time of Prophet Muhammad, there was the development of a new art and musical style among Muslims (Cornell 2007, p. 48). Muslims began celebrating lie and the religious and mystical foundations that define it. The explanation and recitation of the Quran is considered to be the birth of the art of music and grammar in the Islamic faith. This was as explained in Islamic poetry that is recited in musical forms to communicate the intentions of the poet (Cornell 2007, p. 57). In the Islamic religion there are two major schools of thought concerning the use and application of music. The Quran is considered as the first school of thought for those who are in support and those who area against the use of music in Islam ((Shiloah 2003, p. 56). Despite the fact that there exists no explicit information concerning the use of music in the Quran, it is believed the Prophet Muhammad that art, music and the paying of specific musical instrument was permissible in different occasions such as funerals, marriages, religious and spiritual functions (Cornell 2007, p. 49). While applying music, Muslims agree that the prophet did not approve clapping of hands in public performances, sensual singing and the selling and buying of musical teachings performed by girls (Cornell 2007, p. 67). The use of music in Islam worship is considered as a hotly debated matter considering that there are those who are generally inclined to the condemnation of all forms of worship in Islam with exceptions wedding ceremonies (Shiloah 2003, p. 46). The denial of the use of music in Islam is founded on the belief that music contains sensual, pagan, unethical and subliminal messages. This view seems to be consistent with the general nature of the Islamic society (Cornell 2007, p. 77). Despite the fact that there are sections of Muslims that believe that music contains some form of unethical and sensual practices, there are Islamic scholars who believe that music that is free from such these should always be permitted in the practice of Islamic worship (Cornell 2007, p. 79). For those who believe in making music permissible argue that music should be allowed in Islam to invoke the love for Allah, evoke lamentations and sorrows, arouse joy among believers, and encourage pilgrimage and inspire courage on the day of battle (Ayoub 2013, p. 40). However, those against music arouses lustful thoughts on listeners, music precepts religion, music also invites sensuality for sexual reasons (Shiloah 2003, p. 78). Despite the controversies that exist in music and Islamic religion, it is important to note that there are different aspects of music in Islamic worship. These include the recitation of Quran which is considered as one way of incorporating music into worship. This is however different form the Christian sense of choral or the incorporating of organ music into worship. In the Islamic society music is used through tonal variation and rhythm of human voice (Cornell 2007, p. 79). Sufism, which a minority movement in Islam, is famous for the incorporation of Whirling Dance and devotion songs in worship and other religious practices (Shiloah 2003, p. 79). This is one way through which Sufis incorporate physical methods of Islamic worship. Worship among Sufis is characterized by chanting of the Quran, poetry and rhythmic rotation (Ayoub 2013, p. 45). Hinduism Communal worship plays an integral role in defining temple worship among the Hindus. Temple worship in Hindu is often defined by the words, music, and dance and in some situations even silences as a form of meditation (Robinson 2004, p. 12). Indian classic music forms an essential part of worship among Hindus, especially those of the Sikh tradition. During these worship sessions, Hindus use Kirtan which was a technique used in calling and response, chanting of mantras an in some sessions this was also characterized by dance and playing of instruments (Robinson 2004, p. 16). Hindus also apply the use of Bojan, which are devotional songs that are used in temple worship. The practice of music is also defined by the application of Raga, seven note scales and in other occasions (Myers 1998, p. 120). Tala, which is a rhythmic patterns of beats that are often accompanies by tunes of musical instruments. Hindu worship is therefore characterized by devotional singing narrative (Sundararajan & Bithika 2003, p. 107). The main reason why music is an integral part of Hindu worship is because Hindu tradition is a creation of Shiva, the god of dance and the need to praise Shiva through dance and songs (Myers 1998, p. 125). The songs are often accompanied by the need to ensure that dances reveal facial expressions in accordance with the requirements of the music (Robinson 2004, p. 17). Hinduism also incorporates the use of music and dance in religious practices as a way of narrating the works of gods. Bharata Nayatam for instance is an example of a dance which requires the sanctification of the earth before music is performed (Myers 1998, p. 127). Since the music is characterized by dancing on earth it is paramount to seek permission from mother earth. This is then followed by music composed in the form of a narrative (Sundararajan & Bithika 2003, p. 109). Music in Hinduism is therefore used in telling tales that are considered of importance to believers. The dancers are expected to portray the message of the music in the form of dance as a way of facilitating understanding among believers (Myers 1998, p. 127). The traditional stores which are performed in the form of dance and music are intended to invoke human emotions and they are largely derived from Mahabharata and Ramayana. Mahabharata for instance is a story about two fighting cousins and the role of Lord Krishna is generating some form of resolution (Robinson 2004, p. 34). The Ghita is considered s an essential part of Mahabrahata as it represents the Song of the Lord. In Hinduism, this song is essential as it is used in the communication of elaborate moral codes which play the role of showing why and how it is important for believers to perform good deeds. In addition, the Ghita also contains many love poems (Myers 1998, p. 128). Conclusion Music forms an essential and powerful aspect of most religious faiths despite the fact that the part that music plays in thee religions vary. In Christianity for example the use of music in worship enables worshippers to express their beliefs and numerous thoughts by composing, listening or taking part in the art of singing. In Hindu, and Islam, the use of music is for telling tales related to the religion sand its beliefs and in other occasions music is used in the process of reflection hence evoking some sense of spirituality. References Ayoub, Mahmoud. 2013. Islam Faith and History. New York: Oneworld Publications. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1792155. Bailey, Wilma A., and Charlotte Yvonne Kroeker. 2005. Music in Christian worship: at the service of the liturgy. Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical Press. Cornell, Vincent J. 2007. Voices of Islam. Westport, Conn: Praeger Publishers. Friedmann, Jonathan L. 2009. 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