Pastor Edward Baroi: Music has always played an important role in the worship of God. Way back, in the dawn of creation: "... the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7, Bible).

Early music in the church was shaped by the Greek, Syrian, and Hebrew influences. Only a dozen or so examples of Greek music from the ancient world exist; but from these, music historians can ascertain that music was a part of early Greek religious ceremonies. It was primarily monophonic unison melody, void of any sort of harmony or contrasting counterpoint. This early music did allow for embellishment with instruments. History reveals that Greek music was based on theories concerning the nature of music and certain accepted systems and patterns for musical compositions.

Syrian monasteries and churches were scenes of early musical elements in worship as well. Antiphonal psalmody and hymns were first present in Syria and then spread to Milan and further west. Antiphonal psalmody was also evident in the Jewish temples. Antiphonal singing means that two choruses sing "back and forth" to each other, much as an echo, though not always identical music.

In the case of Jewish psalmody, the text was based on verses from the Hebrew Book of Praises, the Biblical Psalms. The Psalms were sung everyday in ancient Hebrew temples. Another method for their musical presentation was the responsorial chant where the Levite leaders chanted Psalms accompanied by various instruments, singing one line and then waiting for the congregation to sing the next. The chant that was sung as a solo from the altar was called the "verse" and the congregational choral response was known simply as the "respond."

TDS: How did the great western composers contribute to the development of Church music?

PEB : In the 1600s and 1700s some of the world's greatest composers contributed to the Mass. Handel created the oratorio, a sacred opera with a narrator. Handel's most famous religious work was The Messiah. Schultz composed The Seven Last Words, a work that centered on the theme of Christ's last days (or passions). Mozart wrote eighteen masses. Mozart's masses were so lengthy, however, that only portions of them can be used within the time constraints of a church service.

In the 18th century, religious music expanded beyond all bounds that had ever been set for it. Composers "borrowed" common melodies and even secular/popular songs, rewriting religious works to them. During this period were birthed hymns, anthems, and choruses for both Catholic and Protestant churches. For example, Bach's Cantata #80 is based on the hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Joyful, Joyful, We Adore thee share a melody line.

The 19th and 20th centuries introduced freedom of style in what history calls the 'Liturgical Movement'. Religious music underwent a transformation to suit a changing and evolving congregation. Music was not only simplified but integrated, with pastors and composers setting religious texts to folk melodies to encourage congregations to join in the singing. Examples of famous hymns set to popular tunes are Amazing Grace and There is a Fountain.

TDS: How would you describe modern church music?

PEB: In the latter part of the 20th century, a new musical idea once again transformed the music of the church--contemporary Christian music. From the folk rock of the 70's with its guitars and drums to the Christian rap groups of the 21st century, Christian music continues to evolve with artists like Carmen and DC talk who aspire to preserve the message of the church while meeting the needs of an ever-changing world.

Many 20th-century worship leaders are preserving the most important and most neglected part of worship in the church service with new styles and forms of music and lyrics.

It is clear that music and singing are vitally integral to the praise and worship of God. This is portrayed all through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. And so it is today. It is a vital, glorious, positive expression of praise to God.

TDS: How was church music assimilated in Bangladesh?

PEB: As far I could examine, it was during the time of William Cary, more than two hundred years back, our local oriental Indian folk type of church music was penetrated into our church history when Protestant church was immerged. Rev. William Cary translated many Hymns (western melody) into Bengali. Some of the early Bengali Christians, who were from Hindu minority, composed many Indian folk type of church music, which are still sung around Bangladesh. There are lots of western hymns and choruses in our Bengali Church music book.

TDS: What role does music play in your church?

PEB: To become a worshiper of God, we have to have a personal life changing experience, this being a prerequisite for every Christian. The Book of Psalm in the Bible is completely a book of songs, many of them composed by king David, the Prophet.

I teach my congregation to become a true worshiper and also teach them to be an active part in the church music. The subject of Praise and Worship is one of the most important of all Bible themes. I personally love to sing praises to my God, to me without it, I feel far away from my God. Throughout the Bible there are so many indication of praise and worship with music and instruments that it needs so many pages to write! When I first understood the spiritual transformation in Christ within me, automatically my heart wanted to make music for Him.