Music in Ancient Israel

by Alfred Sendrey

This work is a comprehensive treatment of the music of Biblical and early Talmudic times. It is thoroughly documented, setting forth the origins, forms and ethos of Hebrew music. It draws upon the most recent archaeological discoveries and contemporary Biblical research, dealing not only with sacred music, but also the broad field of ancient secular music which up to now has been only dimly comprehended. Of special interest to the Christian world in this period of ecumenical discussion is the clarity with which Dr. Sendrey interprets the common musical legacy shared between Judaism and Christianity. // Dr. Sendrey is Professor of Musicology at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles and is widely known in the world of musicology for his important Bibliography of Jewish Music, published by Columbia University Press (1951). This work is today the primary source book for Jewish music research and is used throughout the world. // Alfred Sendrey was a Hungarian-American conductor and composer. A pupil of Koessler at the Budapest Academy (1901-5), he worked in Germany, the USA and Austria as an opera conductor, (also of the Leipzig SO, 1924-32), then moved to Paris (1933-40) and finally to the USA, where he completed his studies of Jewish music.

680 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Matthew Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information but surrounded by conjecture and assumption. Relies too heavily on viewing Jewish music and thought as evolutionary and dependent on surrounding cultures. When the author sticks to history it is good.