Examining the role of music in the liturgical life of the Church, Deacon Edward Schaefer seeks to promote a more dynamic balance between the expressive and formative qualities of liturgical music. He examines the structure of the Mass both before and after the Second Vatican Council, offering a brief overview of the history and development of liturgical music from the eighth century Carolingian Renaissance to the contemporary implementation of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Concluding with a thoughtful analysis of the current state of liturgical music, Deacon Schaefer provides a variety of musical examples which are easily accessed online or via the downloadable e-book.