Sacred Sound: Experiencing Music in World Religions

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

As a trained musician and a historian of religions, Guy Beck was
astonished by the seemingly intrinsic connection between religious
ritual and musical activity. The more he learned about that connection,
the more he felt compelled to share his findings with the wider
community. In Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound (1993), he
presented a well-researched exposition of the Hindu concept of Nada
Brahman as researched in the Vedas, Indian philosophies of language,
Nada Yoga as found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Yoga-Upanishads,
the Nath Yogis, Hatha Yoga, Indian Music, Sakta Tantra, Saivism, and
Vaishnavism. Sacred Sound expands on the theme to include music from
other faiths.

Beck’s collection of essays by respected scholars in religious
studies and musicology provide insight from both disciplines. The essays
point out that music (including chant and vocal utterance) is not
incidental in religious practice but a sacred treasure that is central
to the growth and sustenance of religions throughout the world. Musical
sound is sacred in most religions because it embodies the divine and can
be shared by all participants despite theological differences.

An accompanying CD featuring 40 works of music and chant helps
illustrate the themes presented in the essays. Most of the works are
taken directly from the liturgy of the various faiths discussed.
Selections include the Christian Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei; the
first of the four questions recited at the Passover Seder; Adhan, the
Islamic call to prayer; a Buddhist drum invocation; and hymns, such as
“Amazing Grace.” While the singing (mostly by Beck and other essay
contributors) lacks much of the soul-stirring quality of such gospel
singers as Mahalia Jackson, it is more than adequate for illustrative
purposes befitting the scholarly work.

Sacred Sound is a milestone in the growing cross-disciplinary study of
religion and music. Ample chapter notes and extensive bibliographies add
to the value of the work.