Choral Roots by Rebecca Murphy

"Choral Roots" explores the largely undocumented origins of choral music, tracing its evolution from early poetic expressions within ceremonial and ritual music settings.
Delving into ancient cultures, the book reveals how the human need for communal expression manifested in structured vocalizations, forming the basis for complex choral traditions.
Intriguingly, early choral expressions weren't mere artistic endeavors; they were essential components of ritual practices, reinforcing communal identity and transmitting cultural knowledge.

The book uniquely approaches choral music through the lenses of early poetic forms and ceremonial functions.
It begins by establishing a historical and anthropological backdrop, then examines specific examples from Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, and early Hebrew traditions.
It then analyzes the lasting impact of these early choral roots on Western musical traditions.

This interdisciplinary approach, combining musicology, history, and anthropology, provides a holistic understanding of choral music's significance and its intertwining with religious music.