Singing a common song: Hymnal revision in a liturgical, contemporary, and ecumenical context

Abstract

This thesis addresses the topic of hymnal revision in the context of liturgical churches by proposing a methodology that takes into account both historical developments in the field of hymnology and recent concerns regarding the Liturgical Movement and theological considerations that have arisen in the last few decades. The text is structured in two parts: Part 1 summarizes some key points of the History of hymns in the Church and helps identify some patterns of Tradition and movements of reform throughout the centuries. Part 2 proposes, in practical terms, a methodology and a structure for developing and/or revising hymnals in the context of ecumenically minded, contemporary, liturgical churches.