Music in the three religions Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Judaism is the oldest of the three religions The Bible is the most important source of knowledge about musical life in ancient Israel. Many instruments are mentioned there. Here is a small selection:

Kinnor family of the lyres string instrument (10 strings) played with a plectrum main instrument in the orchestra of the temple highly regarded

Newel also similar to a lyre originally from Asia Minor bigger than the Kinnor 12 strings, plucked with the fingers second main instrument in the orchestra of the temple

Halil Woodwind instrument with two pipes one pipe for the melody the second pipe buzzes played at joyful ceremonies, but also at funerals

Hazozra Brass instrument Of precious metal, usually silver Used by priests for offering and coronation ceremonies Tof Percussion instrument Round frame drum Played by women

Daniel’s instruments Karna A horn, which was played by the King of Babylon Sambyke A harp, also played by the King of Babylon

There are also some Jewish composers in the Romantic era Two examples: Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Louis Lewandowski

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809 – 1847) Sisters: Fanny and Rebecca Mendelssohn Wife: Cécile Mendelssohn Bartholdy 5 children

Music 1818: First public concert in Berlin 1820: First composition 1823: Journey with his father to Schlesien Completion of his first opera 1826: Overture of „Midsummer Night‘s Dream“ 1833: Director of music in Düsseldorf 1835: Conductor in Leipzig 1846: Premiere of his oratory„Elias“

Mendelssohn and the Anti-Semitism 1830: Reformationssymphonie  was not performed, because of anti-semitic reasons 1832: Rejection of the directorship of the Academy of Music in Berlin, because he was Jew During the Second World War all of his compositions were displaced of the programmes

Louis Lewandowski -* April 1821 in Wreschen -+ February 1894 in Berlin -German-Jewish composer

Life -childhood in very poor conditions -at the age of 12: leaving family and moving to Berlin -musical education in the Jewish community -lessons from cousin of Felix Mendelssohn -First Jewish student -singing teacher -connection of Jewish and European music -1865: Royal Music Director -1866: Conductor of the new synagogue -1890: big festival with concerts for him

Compositions Compositions for the synagogue Psalms of the Bible Symphonies, pieces for organ, cantatas und songs Choral works similar to Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Book: “Kol Rinnah”

Christianity

Spirituals and Gospels Religious songs of black people Expression of feelings Lyrics from the Bible In a service in a church Singing, dancing and clapping hands

Islam Mohammed was the last prophet. He received messages, which were repeated for 20 years. Before the Archangel Gabriel ordered him to preach the Islam, people in Mecca had about 360 idols. Because he is so important for the religion, there are some singers, who write songs about Mohammed One example is Maher Zain:

Maher Zain -Swedish R&B-Singer, Songwriter and music producer -* 16. Juli 1981 in Tripoli, Libanon -At the age of 8: Moving to Sweden -Bachelor‘s degree in aerospace engineering -2005: Accesssion to the record company „Konvict Muzik“ -2006: Stay in New York -Back to Sweden: Concentration on „Rhythm and Blues“ with Islamic lyrics and Abrabic music elements

First album: „Thank You Allah“, 2009 Awards: 8x platinum, Warner Music Malaysia 2x platinum, Sony Music Indonesien Second album: „Forgive Me“, 2012 Awards: 4x platinum, Warner Music Malaysia Music

The Chosen One In a time of darkness and greed It is your light that we need You came to teach us how to live Muhammad Ya Rasool Allah You were so caring and kind Your soul was full of light You are the best of mankind Muhammad Khaira Khalqillah Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habib Al Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One From luxury you turned away And all night you would pray Truthful in every word you say Muhammad Ya Rasul Allah Your face was brighter than the sun Your beauty equaled by none You are Allah’s Chosen One Muhammad Khaira Khalqillah Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habib Al Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One I will try to follow your way And do my best to live my life As you taught me I pray to be close to you On that day and see you smile When you see me Sallu ‘ala Rasulillah, Habibil Mustafa Peace be upon The Messenger The Chosen One

Gracias por vuestra atención !