This course examines the legacy of music written for liturgical and non-liturgical use, using longer texts. It will trace the origins, formulary, and development of the texts (including discussion of the authors). Case studies from different periods of music history will form the basis of further enquiry. Cultural, social and historical context of the first performance will be discussed, along with an examination of the theology behind the text setting (including, for example the use of numerology and other types of musical symbolism). There will be comparison with other examples in the same genre, discussion of changes in text and approach, and national differences in style and technique. Historically informed performance practice, manuscript and source studies, reception history and comparison of editions will all be used to provide greater understanding of the works. [ 4 cr.]