Music in the Bible

a shofar, usually translated "trumpet" or "horn"

Most of the texts that now comprise the Bible were written down between the sixth century BC and first century AD. As such, they are valuable resources for getting some ideas about ancient music.

Some of these instruments, such as the harp and cymbals, are familiar. Others, such as the trigon (a triangle-shaped zither) and psaltery (a plucked-string dulcimer), perhaps less so. Some, such as the trumpet, sound familiar, but would not be easily recognizable today. Distinctions between different types of singing such as "psalms, hymns, and songs," are still commonly made today. (Think of the difference between an aria and an anthem, for example.)

These recordings were produced by the San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble and feature authentic instruments and traditional melodies.