This volume by Long and Sawyer presents annotated descriptions of classical (oratorios, operas, sonatas) and non-classical (musicals, hymns, spirituals, pop, rock music) music. . . .In this first publication to annotate descriptions of vocal and instrumental pieces with Biblical associations, the compilers paid special attention to works by women composers. . . .The dictionary, arranged alphabetically by title or first line, uses German, Latin, French, Italian, or Hebrew titles. Entries include title, date, composer, and a description to help readers locate music that references specific texts or topics. . . .The chronology presents key events, works, and publications, while the glossary lists basic terms and some world-music terminology. The ‘Index of Biblical Names and Subjects’ and ‘Index to Biblical References’ (including the Apocrypha) prove quite useful. . . .Choir directors and vocal students will appreciate the descriptions presented. Summing Up: Recommended. Students at all levels; professionals/practitioners; general readers.

Choice Reviews

There is a small but growing number of recent books on the connection between religion and music. . . .The veteran biblical scholar John Sawyer and the Irish musicologist Siobha´n Dowling Long have now added to this literature with their very helpful new dictionary. . . .This is a dictionary to browse and enjoy. Its index of biblical references, for example, allows the reader to compare the ways that particular texts have been interpreted in different compositions. As befits a dictionary its entries are in alphabetical order so it is sometimes also rewarding to look at adjacent entries on a common theme but from very different historical eras. The two authors’ style of writing is accessible with technical terms explained carefully. This is emphatically a book written for a wide readership. . . .[T]his dictionary will sit in a prominent position on my shelves waiting to be consulted again and again.

Theology

The Bible in Music: A Dictionary of Songs, Works and More is a handy reference work for both library and desk research and good for any musicologist involved in working with faith communities.

Reference Reviews

The volume is so rich and offers so much that is of tremendous value – especially to a professor who is teaching on the intersection of the Bible and music – that I can recommend it as not merely worthwhile but essential to anyone interested in this subject area.

Review of Biblical Literature