Music and worship are tied to each other throughout most of human history. Hymns and pieces sung and performed during worship happen even today. Two examples of such pieces include “Amazing Grace” and the music of the Mevlevi. Amazing grace was made in the late 1700’s by an Englishman named John Newton. He wrote it for a competition and he only wrote the lyrics, the melody that is associated with the song commonly came later, according to the textbook. It is probably the most Christian hymn, and it resonates with many for the lyrics, which show redemption and improvement of the person through faith. The mevlevi originated in the late 1200’s as a sub-order of the Sufi branch of Islam, according to the slides. This tradition combines song and dance. The song itself has two parts, the first relying on the flute and improvisation on the performers part. This leads to the Pesrev, which stands to contrast to the first part, at it is not improvised and has a very strict form and meter. It also uses the flute, in addition to the drum, cymbal and string instruments.

    Some similarities between these two include the use of them. Both are used in religious ceremonies and are meant to honor a higher power. In “Amazing Grace” this is seen in the lyrics, which state that the faith saved them. In the Mevlevi, it is through the dance. They dance with their right palm up, to receive God’s blessing, while their left palm is downward, to send power to the earth. Meanwhile, some differences include the dance itself. When performing Amazing Grace, there is none, only the singing and music, while the Mevlevi use dance as well in their tradition. 

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