Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The problem with this book is that 98% of it could have been written 30 years ago. The tumultuous musical events of the last three decades: the charismatic renewal bringing into circulation hundreds of thousands new worship songs and choruses in probably the greatest surge of religious material than at any time in church history; the phenomenal rise of America's Christian music record industry to a size today where it outsells both classical and jazz music; the significant blurring between "worship" (ie, in the churches) music and "entertainment" (ie, on the radio and in the concert halls) music are largely missed in this history of Christian music. In fact, so much of the postwar years is omitted (and when it is mentioned is written covered in a totally arbitrary or sketchy way) that one just wishes Lion had packaged the book as The History of Church Music: From The Old Testament To The Second World War and dropped a sketchy chapter or two. But let's not be churlish. In his own field liturgical music Andrew Wilson-Dickson has compiled an excellent history. The first part The Birth Of Christian Music taking in such diverse topics as the Old Testament, music in the early church, the monastic tradition and the move from Gregorian chant to polyphony is an exemplary example of concise history telling with Lion's usual strengths, excellent full colour illustrations very attractive. Exemplary too are the later chapters taking in such diverse topics as the Renaissance and Reformation, the development of the oratorio and the birth of the English hymn. Part 5, on the Eastern Traditions is particularly fascinating. It's only when Andrew Wilson-Dickson steps out of his field that the first problems arise. The chapter on Africa is too sketchy and the one on Afro-American music where Thomas A Dorsey is unfortunately referred to as Tommy Dorsey (a white swing band leader) inadequate. Having said all the above, I would still recommend this work for all those looking for a thumbnail history of Christian music. Whatever it's deficiencies it is about the only thing around.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.