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Book Cover
E-book
Author Elder, D. Rose, 1952-

Title Why the Amish sing : songs of solidarity and identity / D. Rose Elder ; foreword by Terry E. Miller
Published Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014
©2014

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Description 1 online resource
Series Young Center books in Anabaptist & Pietist studies
Young Center books in Anabaptist & Pietist studies
Contents pt. I. Amish life and song. Who are the Amish? -- The functions of Amish singing -- Case study: "Es sind zween Weg" -- pt. II. Singing in childhood and adolescence. Songs for nurture: lullabies and children's songs -- Songs for instruction: singing at school -- Case study: School repertoire -- Songs of identity: youth sings -- pt. III. Singing for worship. Songs of memory: the Ausbund -- Songs of belonging: baptism, council, and communion -- Case study: The Loblied, or Lobsang -- pt. IV. Singing for special occasions. Songs of love and life: weddings and funerals -- Songs of trust: music in daily life -- Songs for the future: Amish singing in the twenty-first century -- Appendixes : I. Additional musical examples ; II. Research methods ; III. Historical studies of Amish music
Summary An intimate portrait of the diverse music-making at the center of Amish faith and life.Singing occurs in nearly every setting of Amish life. It is a sanctioned pleasure that frames all Amish rituals and one that enlivens and sanctifies both routine and special events, from household chores, road trips by buggy, and family prayer to baptisms, youth group gatherings, weddings, and "single girl" sings. But because Amish worship is performed in private homes instead of public churches, few outsiders get the chance to hear Amish people sing. Amish music also remains largely unexplored in the field of ethnomusicology. In Why the Amish Sing, D. Rose Elder introduces readers to the ways that Amish music both reinforces and advances spiritual life, delving deep into the Ausbund, the oldest hymnal in continuous use. This illuminating ethnomusicological study demonstrates how Amish groups in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio--the largest concentration of Amish in the world--sing to praise God and, at the same time, remind themselves of their 450-year history of devotion. Singing instructs Amish children in community ways and unites the group through common participation. As they sing in unison to the weighty words of their ancestors, the Amish confirm their love and support for the community. Their singing delineates their common journey--a journey that demands separation from the world and yielding to God's will.By making school visits, attending worship services and youth sings, and visiting private homes, Elder has been given the rare opportunity to listen to Amish singing in its natural social and familial context. She combines one-on-one interviews with detailed observations of how song provides a window into Amish cultural beliefs, values, and norms
Analysis Other Nonconformist & Evangelical Churches
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes English
Print version record
Subject Amish -- Hymns -- History and criticism
Amish -- Music -- History and criticism
Amish -- Social life and customs.
Other Nonconformist & Evangelical Churches.
MUSIC -- Instruction & Study -- Voice.
MUSIC -- Lyrics.
MUSIC -- Printed Music -- Vocal.
Amish -- Hymns
Amish -- Social life and customs
Genre/Form Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Form Electronic book
LC no. 2013046567
ISBN 9781421414669
142141466X
142141466X
1421428482
9781421428482