Julian Perlmutter has produced a fascinating and carefully argued examination of the relationship between sacred music and the way in which an individual can experience a longing for knowledge of God arising in the heart … [This book] will fascinate anyone who would be engaged by a rigorous, academically robust, but always pastorally motivated exploration of why it is that the choral tradition does what it does.

Theology

Sacred Music, Religious Desire and Knowledge of God provides a refreshing and insightful discussion of how culture, aesthetics, and desire can motivate and enhance efforts to seek knowledge of the Christian God.

Religious Studies

Julian Perlmutter makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the epistemic role sacred music can play in the life of the "interested non-believer". In so doing, he breaks new ground in the intersection of aesthetics and the philosophy of religion.

David Efird, formerly Senior Lecturer of Philosophy, University of York, UK