Religijske teme u glazbi

The work Religious Themes in Music by Fr. Marijan Steiner, published in 2003, represents a comprehensive musicological and theological study exploring the profound connection between spirituality and musical creation. In this book, the author—a Jesuit and distinguished music expert—examines how the Christian faith, biblical texts, and liturgical rites have shaped the aesthetic and formal frameworks of Western European and Croatian musical culture over the centuries. Through a chronological and thematic overview, Steiner analyzes key religious-inspired musical forms—ranging from Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony, through Baroque passions, oratorios, and motets, to the grand masses and sacred compositions of the Classical and Romantic eras and the 20th century. Special attention is paid to analyzing masterpieces by great composers such as Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt, as well as the contributions of Croatian sacred music composers. Written in language that is both expert and accessible, the book combines an analysis of musical form with the theological significance of the embedded texts. The work serves as a valuable resource for musicologists, theologians, art students, and all music lovers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimension and symbolism within the art of music.