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Mormon Musicians Have a Diverse Range of Musical Styles
Mormon musicians come in an assortment of musical styles. Millions around the globe enjoy listening to their tunes. Recently, some LDS composers have begun exploring neoromantic tonality in works created for church and other purposes; among these composers are Leroy Robertson, Crawford Gates and Merrill Bradshaw. Michael Hicks’ book on Mormonism and music often slips under the radar, yet provides invaluable insights about Mormons and music. The Strike Although the Mormon church has been slow to embrace social justice (blacks weren’t accepted as priests until 1978), music group The Strike is helping lead the way through its music. Hailing from Provo, Utah and representing its vibrant music scene with their…
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Mormon Music
Music plays an essential part in Latter-day Saint spiritual lives and the Church encourages its members to fill their homes with appropriate melodies. The Book of Mormon supports righteous music while acknowledging its potential misuse for ungodly purposes. Recognizing its scriptural roots may help us make informed media choices in today’s culture. Hymns Mormon hymns differ significantly from Catholic church liturgy by using specific, local songs in each of their services around the globe. While some use well-known Christian tunes, others contain lyrics which address doctrine unique to their church. Emma Smith had a revelation in early 1835 to create a hymn book, but due to persecutions and other uprootings…
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Mormon Traditions
Mormons engage in many practices to strengthen their faith, such as attending General Conference – twice-annual series of sermons from Church leaders – or participating in their congregation’s missions and missionary efforts. They attend family home evening, a weekly ritual where families come together for group prayer and scripture study. Furthermore, they visit a temple to receive an endowment ceremony. Family Mormon life centers on family. Mormons are taught to prioritize family first as they believe it’s something lasting and make sure they spend quality time together throughout the week. Mormons teach that both males and females depend on their mothers and fathers to help shape them into people who…
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Mormon Artists
Artists inspired by Mormonism have produced a wide array of artwork. Some pieces are very impressive while others can seem offbeat or even bizarre. Modern Mormon artists have gone beyond Church-sanctioned depictions of deity which tend to favor white European-looking men as depictions of God, to embrace a wider range of styles when depicting divine figures. Joseph A.F. Everett Hewitt and Wetmore Hall had been open day and night as various religious and political organizations held nightly meetings there. Members were pleased to see that Harry Feinberg, editor of Industrial Worker, as well as others who spoke there had done so without being molested by police officers. But this euphoria…
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European American Musics in the Global Diaspora
Music is central to diasporic experience, creating an inextricable link between homeland and host land through sound. Its vast array of genres offers numerous methodological possibilities that challenge traditional approaches to diaspora studies. Students will gain insight into Euro American Musics, an array of traditions brought over from Europe by European colonists. The collection will highlight piano music, songs, choral pieces and European composers. European Instrumentation European instruments and musical styles have made an enormous contribution to music across the world. Today’s global musical landscape often blends instruments originating from Europe with those derived from African or Indian sources. During the Renaissance, wind instruments became closely associated with nobility. Palace…
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Mormon Musicians
Music plays an integral role in Mormon culture. Many members are familiar with musicians like Lindsey Stirling, The Piano Guys, Alex Boye and David Archuleta. But what of those less well-known? Jeremy Grimshaw gives an account. Before recently, most Mormon composers weren’t particularly well known outside their faith’s circles; nonetheless, some composers have made waves in wider recognition. Brandon Flowers (The Killers) Brandon Flowers of The Killers and Mormon has established himself in the music industry. His band has performed to sold-out stadiums all around the world and he ranks among one of the highest paid musicians worldwide. Flowers has often cited Oasis and New Order as sources of musical…
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Mormon Music
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints musicians come from diverse backgrounds, musical styles and tastes; yet many have found success in the music industry, including making Billboard’s classical charts. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has become an internationally acclaimed cultural ambassador, performing at multiple presidential inaugurals and touring throughout Eastern and Slavic Europe. But what about other forms of Mormon artistic expression? Hymns Hymns play an essential part of Mormon music. Used to bring reverence and the spirit into meetings, hymns can be just as impactful as scripture in raising spirits and stirring action. The Church has amassed an extensive library of hymns that spans over 1000 years, from simple…
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Mormon Traditions
Mormons tend to adhere to a stringent interpretation of their faith. Two-thirds prefer upholding traditional beliefs and practices over altering them. They believe that Jesus atoned for our sins and we will receive one of three levels of glory after death: terrestrial, celestial or telestial. Additionally, they have their own distinct traditions. 1. Baptism Baptism is an act that symbolizes spiritual rebirth and renewal. It signifies an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection while also marking their commitment to living according to his teachings. Mormons consider baptism essential for spiritual rebirth and receiving the Holy Ghost’s indwelling presence, citing 1 Corinthians 15:29 as evidence to justify baptizing…
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The Influence of Euro American Artists on American Art
Since the sixteenth century, European art precedents have had an immense influence on American art. This selection of essays examines how this has affected relations among artists who sought refuge from discrimination by traveling to Europe while engaging with canonical sources in Europe. As World War II raged on, fourteen painters left Europe for America as political refugees. When engaged with European art they offered both full-throated support as well as subtler interpretations. John Trumbull John Trumbull’s paintings grace the walls of numerous American museums, while his portrait of Alexander Hamilton found on the ten-dollar bill has been studied by generations of children. While Trumbull may be most widely recognized…
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The Book of Mormons
The Book of Mormons is an account of Christ’s ministry to ancient America, recounting stories like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in the Lion’s Den, along with teachings on faith and His role as Redeemer for all humanity. Text may be confusing to some readers due to its nonchronological structure. For instance, Mormon jumped back and forth between Nephi’s first-person account of events and Nephi & Jacob’s personal diaries from Mormon’s interpretation of another record. It Testifies of Jesus The Book of Mormon was intended to demonstrate to both Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Eternal God manifesting himself to all nations (Book of Mormon…
