church music
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church music
Music that was composed for performance as part of a church service or in a church context, or that is played there.
Die Orgelwerke von Bach sind ein Höhepunkt der protestantischen Kirchenmusik.
Bach's organ works are a high point of Protestant church music.
'Kirchenmusik' (church music) is a compound noun made up of 'die Kirche' (church) and 'die Musik' (music). The 'n' in between is a linking n that connects the two words. The meaning is literally 'music of the church'.
In dieser Kirche kann man oft wunderschöne Musik hören.
In this church, you can often hear beautiful music.
'Kirchenmusik' (church music) is often specified more precisely by denomination or era. Typical combinations are 'katholische Kirchenmusik' (Catholic church music), 'protestantische Kirchenmusik' (Protestant church music), or 'barocke Kirchenmusik' (Baroque church music).
Die barocke Kirchenmusik Italiens ist weltberühmt.
The Baroque church music of Italy is world-famous.
The word family also includes the person who makes this music: 'der Kirchenmusiker' (male church musician) or 'die Kirchenmusikerin' (female church musician). This person often leads the choir and plays the organ.
Unsere Gemeinde sucht eine neue Kirchenmusikerin.
Our parish is looking for a new female church musician.
gospel
'die Kirchenmusik' and 'das Gospel' both have to do with Christian music. 'Kirchenmusik' is the more general term: it refers to music that is played during a church service or in a church context. 'Gospel' is a specific musical style with Christian content, often with powerful, emotional singing. The words can be confused because gospel is also sung in churches. But not all church music is gospel, and gospel mainly describes the style.
Am Sonntag hörten wir in der Kirche klassische Kirchenmusik.
On Sunday, we heard classical church music in church.
Der Chor sang ein Gospel, und viele Leute klatschten im Rhythmus.
The choir sang a gospel song, and many people clapped along to the rhythm.