Christian music
| Christian music | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | various |
| Cultural origins | various |
| Typical instruments | various |
| Derivative forms | Contemporary Christian Southern Gospel Urban contemporary gospel |
| Subgenres | |
| Christian pop Christian rock Christian Hardcore Christian metal Christian metalcore Christian alternative Christian Industrial Christian punk Bluegrass gospel Christian country music (sometimes called Country Gospel) Progressive Southern Gospel Jubilee quartet Christian hip hop Mass choirs Gospel blues (complete list) | |
| Other topics | |
| Byzantine music Gregorian chant Hymn Mass (music) Praise song | |
Christian music (sometimes marketed as Inspirational music, Praise music or Worship music) is music that is written to express either personal or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as (in terms of the varying music styles) to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music.
Like other forms of music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of Christian music varies according to culture and social context. Christian music is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. However, a common theme of most Christian music is praise, worship or thanks to God and/or Christ.
Genres and subgenres
Christian music can be divided into several genres and sub-genres, although the dividing lines and relationships between music genres are often subtle, sometimes open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial. These genres (sometimes referred to as 'style') like other forms of music may be distinguished by the techniques, the styles, the context and the themes, or geographical origin. Historic categories and genres include (but are not limited to): Hymns, Motets, sequences, psalmody, antiphons, Contemporary Christian music, Southern Gospel, and Urban contemporary gospel. Specific subgenres of Christian music may include (but are not limited to): Progressive Southern Gospel, Christian country music, Christian pop, Christian rock, Christian metal (including Christian metalcore), Christian punk, Christian alternative rock, Christian hip hop (including Christian rap), Jubilee quartet, and Mass choir music.
Performance
Christian music may also be classified based upon the setting it is performed.
Live performance
The most traditional way is to hear Christian music is live, in the presence, or as one of the musicians in a worship or religious setting.
Specifics forms of performance music include (but are not limited to): Liturgical Music, Mass (music) or Worship service. Such performances may include a Worship leader, choir and/or Worship presentation program.
Media
Today Christian music is available through several media. Christian music can also be broadcast over the radio, television or the internet. It may also take the form of a recording (LP, CD, DVD, etc.).
See also
- Byzantine music
- Gospel music
- Gregorian chant
- Hymn
- Mass (music)
- Praise song
- Worship leader
- Worship presentation program
External links
- News and Information
- Christian Music Central - Christian Music Videos - Music Video Source
- New Christian Music Releases and Upcoming Release Schedule
- Christian Music Review - An On-Line Music Review and Information Ministry
- Jesus Freak Hideout
Sources
Suggested reading
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