Abstract
The link between the biblical Psalms and musicality is explored in this contribution. The interpretative engagement with texts as much as with music is indicated en route to taking a position on whether an authentic, accurate rendition of the ancient musicality of the Psalms can be recouped. Some instances of reception of the Psalms in classical, rock and electronic music genres are given, with greater attention devoted to influential rock star Bono’s reflection on the role of Psalms and other music in shaping spirituality. https://doi.org/10.17159/2312-3621/2019/v32n2a25
Highlights
The interpretation of music, like the interpretation of texts – at which exegetes excel – is no simple matter
The link between the biblical Psalms and musicality is explored in this contribution
The interpretative engagement with texts as much as with music is indicated en route to taking a position on whether an authentic, accurate rendition of the ancient musicality of the Psalms can be recouped
Summary
The interpretation of music, like the interpretation of texts – at which exegetes excel – is no simple matter. 766 Lombaard, “Psalms’ Ancient Musicality,” OTE 32/2 (2019): 764-780 during a worship service: to employ for a moment the language of Semiotics,[7] the signs of the text – its components of lyrical and musical notation – communicate in a fully different modality when they are performed to when they lie on paper. This performative transformation remains the case, irrespective of the musical genre or the culture and age in which a Psalm is performed
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