Listening to the Sacred Seasons curates musical programs for notable days between Epiphany and Easter with devotional commentary about the music and its composers. Designed for sacred observances in January through April, each of the 17 chapters represent a thematic musical program with biblical commentary about the music selections, contextual information about composers, and connections to the church year seasons of Epiphany, Lent, and Easter. The playlists are expertly designed for concerted flow that expose the listener to settings of hymns and spirituals, sacred orchestral concert music, choral masterworks, and American gospel music from the musical heritage of Christian faith traditions, particularly Lutheran, Catholic, Anglican, and Baptist. The concerted playlists may be accessed for instant listening on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music (subscription required) through the QR code links in each chapter. This book provides readers a blessed overview of sacred music that shaped music history as well as sacred music arrangements that will be "new songs to the Lord" for their listening ears.

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READ the Introduction

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ADVANCE PRAISE...

Dr. Held’s new publication is as practical as it is well-researched. He shares with us the deep connection between the liturgical calendar, music history, and centuries of sacred music and artistry. While a professional musician will find this book a great resource for programming and inspiration, this book is truly for anyone who appreciates music. With the ease of navigating between the book’s pages and the carefully curated, and easily accessible, links to streaming services, the music instantly opens an entire world of quality music and centuries of artistry to anyone who wishes to explore.

Thomas Bandar Executive & Artistic Director, Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

“We are heirs of an astonishingly rich tradition”--- that memorable phrase from Norman Nagel (Lutheran Worship, 1982) has become iconic in our circles, enduring from generation to generation. In this extraordinary resource Jeff Held has greatly deepened and broadened that insight and, through the marvels of modern technology, brought it home to the dining room table, family area or study. Every Christian who yearns for a deeper spiritual life will discover a new treasure each day. Indeed they will “awaken the dawn” to a more hope-filled life in Christ. Drawing on his long and distinguished career as conductor and church musician, Dr. Held has also crafted a fitting tribute to the “high and holy calling” he shared with his father. Soli Deo Gloria!

Barry Bobb Director - Center for Church Music, Concordia University Chicago

Spotify, Apple Music, and Prime Music playlists⁠

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