Robin Leaver

Westminster Professor of Sacred Music Robin Leaver has been honored with the publication of the festschrift, “Music and Theology: Essays in Honor of Robin A. Leaver.”

Announcing the book’s release, publisher The Scarecrow Press, wrote, “Robin Leaver holds a unique place in sacred music scholarship because of his training in both music and theology. He has written widely, bringing acute insights on a variety of musical repertories and topics related to Martin Luther, 16th-century psalmody, hymnody, and the sacred music of Johann Sebastian Bach.”

Twelve scholars influenced by Dr. Leaver’s work contributed essays for the book. Their topics cover diverse areas of sacred music history and philosophy, focusing on the intersection of music and theology. Ranging chronologically from the 12th-century writer and composer Hildegard of Bingen to present-day considerations of American church music and worship, the volume provides thought-provoking new work for all who study church music. Reflecting the prominent emphasis in Leaver’s own scholarship, eight chapters deal with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, including his organ music, sacred cantatas, and passion settings. A final chapter provides a chronological listing of Leaver’s own voluminous writings on music and theology.

“Music and Theology” was edited by Daniel Zager, head of the Sibley Music Library, and associate professor in musicology and sacred music at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY.

Later this month, Leaver’s newest book, “Luther’s Liturgical Music: Principles and Implications,” will be published by Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI.

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