Why has religious music been marginalized in most examinations of music history

) and The Baroque Era (1600-1750 CE). Some of the first records of musical history were said to include Gregory who was a pope between 590 - 640 C. E (Ripley& Dana, 489) he organized a collection of chants for the church. The chants were even referred to as the Gregorian chants. After some time artist started becoming more creatively free and individualized. Some of the musicians in the era like Mahler have most of his music linked to him being Jewish and his discrimination. Some people may even argue that religion and religious music is over-emphasized. Moreover, I believe that it would have been unlikely that Mahler would be heard if he had not converted. Most of his songs were symphonies about the resurrection.

Therefore, I believe one of the reasons his religious music did not get much attention compared to his secular compositions is the fact that he appeared to be more culturally inclined than religious. It essential to note that even though music traces its origin in religion by the 1750 and early 1800 it was no longer the driving force of advancement in western music. In conclusion, the 18th century saw the rise of the bourgeoisie; this was a beginning of a shift into the patronage in the 19th century towards secular from nobility and clergy. Mozart and Beethoven are great examples of the liberal nature composers had. Most of their influence was not from the church. Also, there was a separation of church sponsorship from state sponsorship which further enabled the growth of secular music.