Janet Danielson: Hearts in Harmony – Hymns as Communication Technology

Some consider hymns a rich heritage, while others find them an outmoded tradition. But few have considered the “classic” hymn style itself, which was forged at a time of rapid technological advancement. Was this a mere coincidence? Were there common theological and cultural concerns behind the development both of technology and of hymn as a musical genre? This talk will explore recent findings from neuroscience and anthropology that might help us better appreciate hymns as a unique technology for the communication of human intentions.

This lecture is part of our Summer Lectures 2016 series.

Janet Danielson is a composer and music theorist presently teaching at Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts. She has also taught at Regent College, and has published on women and music, music and the history of technology, and the theology and philosophy of music, drawing on the work of Herman Dooyeweerd, Bruno Latour and Giorgio Agamben.

https://www.regent-college.edu/about-us/events/event-details?event_id=507