p. 1007. The Bible in High and Popular Culture
- John Riches
Abstract
The Bible has had a huge impact on European culture. The evidence for this is examined in ‘The Bible in High and Popular Culture’. With reference to the retelling of biblical stories in music, its impact on major works of classical music from Bach to Britten is clear and the Bible has been one of the most important influences on western music. Art too, from the Renaissance and before, has been hugely influenced by biblical themes. Such themes are also taken up in metaphor and symbol, not just in art or music, but in literature too.