It is interesting to examine the purpose of the Psalms of Ascent. These Psalms were sung at large feasts and during pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The tone of these psalms seems to be meant to inspire. While other psalms talk about what will happen to sinners, these psalms focus on gods’ glory and use inspiring imagery. Psalm 126 mentions “ our mouth fill with laughter”. In Alters footnote he said that the tense was unclear. The laughter that is spoken of could be in present tense or it could be future tense. I find this really interesting, because it seems that the song is meant to inspire both in the present moment but also to give strength to carry on.
Even in modern music we can see the motovation to inspire listeners. For example it’s a common practice to listen to music before sporting events, in order to increase performance. Songs such as hymns are also sung at the end of church services. I’ve always looked at this as a way to give one the strength to stay moral until next service. Using songs to inspire makes sense, but science can’t explain exactly why music triggers emotions. It is obvious that music can trigger emotions. I wish I could understand Hebrew, because I think hearing the Psalms sung would give me a totally different emotional response than reading them.
I really liked your comparison of listening to music before a sporting event to listening to music in a church service. It is really interesting the way that music can be used to empower. I think that you did a good job of putting the psalms into a musical perspective and then comparing uses of music. It'd be intriguing to hear more about your thoughts of music used in rituals or other religious activities.
ReplyDeleteYour points and comparisons are really interesting. I agree with you that musical tones can be very empowering. I had never thought of comparing church hymns with music thats played just before a sporting event, and I too wonder what the phycological impact is besides setting one's mood and preparing him/her for the event.
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