While many evangelical congregations have moved away from hymns and hymnals; these were once central fixtures in the evangelical tradition. This book examines the role and importance of hymns in evangelicalism; not only as a part of worship but as tools for theological instruction; as a means to identity formation; and as records of past spiritual experiences of the believing community. Written by knowledgeable church historians; Wonderful Words of Life explores the significance of hymn-singing in many dimensions of American Protestant and evangelical life. The book focuses mainly on church life in the United States but also discusses the foundational contributions of Isaac Watts and other British hymn writers; the use of gospel songs in English Canada; and the powerful attraction of African-American gospel music for whites of several religious persuasions. Includes appendixes on the American Protestant Hymn Project and on hymns in Roman Catholic hymnals.Contributors: Susan Wise Bauer Thomas E. Bergler Virginia Lieson Brereton Esther Rothenbusch Crookshank Kevin Kee Richard J. Mouw Mark A. Noll Felicia Piscitelli Robert A. Schneider Rochelle A. Stackhouse Jeffrey VanderWilt
#2039382 in eBooks 2011-10-01 2011-10-01File Name: B00CP11CLI
Review
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Mozart: An IntroductionBy Robert H. SpaethlingMozart. An Introduction to the Music; the Man; and the Myths by Roye E. Wates is a hands-on; practical and yet erudite guide to the life; music; and times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The book not only narrates the composers birth in Salzburg; his travels; his last years in Vienna; but also includes portraits of his immediate family members. The brief accounts of his sister Nannerl and his wife Constanze are outstanding. The book also introduces the reader to the philosophy; literature; musical taste of the period in which Mozart lived; the Age of Enlightenment; and it touches on the problems of early biographical writings on Mozart. But the author is at her best when she introduces the reader not only to the major forms of music used by Mozart; but a good number of his own piano sonatas; concertos; symphonies; masses; and operas. These analyses are done with excellent musicological insight; they are meant for the non-specialist; but many of them are done so comprehensively that knowledgeable music lovers can read them with profit and delight. What we find in this book is not just a biography; but an introduction to Mozarts way of thinking and working; plus an access to the music of his time. Professor Wates has given us here the fruit of many years of teaching and reflection on important issues relating to one of the greatest composers of all times.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Decent readBy J. MarchettiI read this book before I went to Vienna and Salzburg this summer. I learned some interesting things about the musician and his family.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Music for my daughterBy Dave S.Music for my daughter