Podcast
Deus Ex Musica is an ecumenical project that promotes the used of a scared music as a resource for learning, spiritual growth, and discipleship.
Hosted by Delvyn Case, the Deus Ex Musica Podcast explores the many fascinating intersections between music and the Christian faith. Each episode features a guest who discusses their journey as a musician and a Christian, then dives deeper into their work.
Note: The theme music for the Deus Ex Musica Podcast is Perichoresis, composed by Delvyn Case, and performed by the Triton Brass Quintet. If you would like to sponsor a Podcast or support this non-profit, please click here.
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SEASON ONE
Episode 1: Jazz, Justice, and Musical Ministry (Listen HERE)
The Rev. Dr. Mark Harvey, founder of the Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, talks about his 40-year journey as a jazz musician and minister, his commitment to musical outreach and social justice, and his love for the sacred jazz of Duke Ellington. Check out this video of Mark’s composition “No Walls.”
Episode 2: Listening to Music Theologically (Listen HERE)
Boston Symphony Orchestra flutist Elizabeth Ostling discusses her life as an orchestral musician, her academic study in theology, and her fascination with the music of French Catholic composer Olivier Messiaen. Check out a video of Elizabeth performing here.
Episode 3: Choral Singing, Community-Building, and the Music of J.S. Bach (Listen HERE)
Renowned choral conductor Scott Allan Jarrett talks about the significance of music-making as a means of community-building, and about how the music of Bach has enriched his own faith. Check out a video of Scott conducting Bach here.
Episode 4: Communal Worship and The Challenges of Public Faith (Listen HERE)
Scholar, author, and church musician Sarah Bereza discusses the various ways Christians understand how music functions in worship, as well as the challenges faced by music minsters as they strive to integrate their public ministry and private faith. Check out Sarah’s podcast Music and the Church here.
Episode 5: Contemporary Church Music Remixed. (Listen HERE)
In this wide-ranging conversation, jazz musician, scholar, and preacher Julian Reid discusses how music helps us understand the theological concept of grace, why the contemporary church needs to embrace songs of lament, and the overlapping roles of musicians and preacher in the Black church. Check out a video of Julian’s project The Juju Exchange here.
Episode 6: The Word of God is More Than Words (Listen HERE)
Roman Catholic theologian and songwriter Maeve Louise Heaney talks about her life as an educator, missionary, and scholar, and introduces us to her unique understanding of how music can contribute to the work of theology.
Episode 7: How Stolen Sacred Paintings Inspired a New Piano Concerto (Listen HERE)
In this wide-ranging conversation, Latin American composers Josh Rodriguez and Xavier Beteta discuss the challenges of writing contemporary sacred music, exploring Beteta’s new Psalm setting and Piano Concerto “Thomás de Merlo” inspired by stolen sacred paintings in Guatemala. Watch excerpts from the premiere performance + excerpts of the interview here.
Episode 10: Bach, Theology, and a Life of Faith. (Listen HERE)
Ryan Turner, Artistic Director of Emmanuel Music in Boston, discusses the nexus between his own faith and the music of J.S. Bach, with particular focus on the ways listening to the cantatas can provide spiritual nourishment and understanding. Check out videos of Ryan’s work as a conductor here.
Episode 11: Sacred Music In the Concert Hall (Listen HERE)
Acclaimed as both a classical soprano and a scholar working on the theology of music, Awet Andemicael discusses the challenges of presenting artistically compelling and spiritually honest performances of sacred music in secular concert settings. Watch videos of Awet’s performances here.
Episode 12: Music and the Bible (Listen HERE)
Renowned Biblical scholar and popular blogger James McGrath discusses his new project exploring musical interpretations of the Bible, and how he has used music from a wide variety of genres to teach students and laypeople about the Scriptures in thought-provoking and spiritually valuable ways. Check out James’s blog ReligionProf here.
Episode 13: What Has Pentecostalism to do With Opera? (Listen HERE)
Acclaimed tenor Isai Jess Muñoz discusses how his upbringing in a Latin American Pentecostal church led to his career on the operatic stage, as well as how his faith has inspired his work on topics as diverse as Latin American Protestant worship music and sacred music drama. Watch Jess perform “Vision Pastoral” by Mexican missionary, composer and lyricist, Juán Romero here
Episode 14: Lift Ev’ry Voice And Sing (Listen HERE)
Creative dynamo James Dargan – baritone, composer, violinist, concert producer and writer – talks about how his faith has inspired his multi-faceted work as a musicians advocating for social justice and racial equality. Watch James perform an art song by Schubert here.
SEASON TWO
Episode 15: A Conductor’s Vision (Listen HERE)
Acclaimed conductor Delta David Gier discusses faith, musical interpretation, and his passion for community engagement - especially with the extraordinary Lakota Music Project. Links to music discussed in this episode are here (Mahler, Symphony no. 3, last mvt), and here (Shostakovich, Symphony no. 5, second mvt.)
Episode 16: Love, Faith, and Hip-hop (Listen HERE)
Julian DeShazier is a pastor, writer, and community activist, as well as a hip-hop artist recording under the moniker J.Kwest. He stops by the podcast to talk about his work in the secular music industry, his new EP, and hip-hop's prophetic power. Check out his music here.