Medieval Music as Medieval Exegesis

Flynn includes contextual and philosophic interpretation that encompasses biblical exegesis, medieval studies, Latin linguistics and ecclesiastical history. Flynn's comprehensive analysis shows that the interdisciplinary dimensions of the expanding field must be understood beyond their traditional boundaries. Medieval Music as Medieval Exegesis reconstructs the creation of liturgies by examining the influences of grammatical studies, traditions, the period's music style, and the use of the scripture within the liturgy. Offering a new approach to the study of musicology, Flynn's analysis is based on the premise that liturgy is more than text, encompassing a three-dimensional study that goes beyond the liturgical forms, structures, primary elements, and words. This study is especially note-worthy in that it appeals to not only musicologists and liturgists, but also biblical exegetes, historians, and literature students. The inclusion of sufficient introductory material enables the novices to handle the material with the same depth as the experts. An invaluable resource that develops the interdisciplinary dimensions of liturgical musicology, Medieval Music as Medieval Exegesis offers an in-depth and innovative look into the expansion of this evolving discipline and provides a foundation for more collaborative work.