| Popis: |
The expression of theology by means of music in the Orthodox Church is something that has been discussed and regulated since the Patristic era, which itself takes as its basis the Psalms and the Gospels. The way in which this expression has been achieved practically, however, has varied considerably over the course of history, as the following survey shows; and questions of the relationship between personal creativity and dogmatic theology are still being asked today by hymnographers, composers, and other musicians whose work is orientated to a greater or lesser extent by the spirituality of the Orthodox Church. This article begins with a brief consideration of the scriptural background (focused on the New Testament) before introducing music in the thought of the church fathers. The entry goes on to elaborate the style and practice of liturgical music in the Orthodox tradition before turning to questions of developing a theology of music, focusing on the Orthodox chant. Attention is then given to a theological consideration of the liturgical texts themselves. Subsequent sections delve into related concepts of hesychasm (quietude) and the icon, asking how they may shed light on a theological understanding of music and chant. The article closes by situating Orthodox liturgical music within the broader discussion of theology and the arts in Eastern Christianity. |
