Kyrkokörens liturgiska funktion. En teoretisk modell

Sammanfattning: With about one hundred thousand singers, the choirs of the Church of Sweden represent a significant part of the activity of the denomination. The choir-tradition is strong and a cherished element of worship. Through the 20th century, important questions have been raised regarding the function of the choir in protestant worship. While these questions remain relatively unanswered the intent of this essay is to paint a picture of what the function of the choir could be, regarding its liturgical theological and practical context. This is done by first applying the theological ideas of primarily Yngve Brillioth and Ninna Edgardh to explain what the mass in the Church of Sweden might be aiming to express in different parts of the liturgy. Secondly, the theological and practical implications of the place of worship (in this thesis a church-building) are considered. I then go on to presenting common functions of the choir observed by James F. White, addressing their probable pros and cons. These three variables are then studied in a roster, producing a theoretical model of how the choir could function within worship, adhering the theological themes and dynamics of the liturgy as well as the physical limitations of the room. This study reveals two discussions central to an understanding regarding the function of the church-choir. Firstly, the liturgical function of the choir relies heavily on when and where the choir appears. Within the liturgy is a movement trough a number of themes and liturgical centers. The choir only functions if in harmony with this movement. Secondly, the liturgical function of the choir is tightly connected to its self-understanding. Weather the singers of the choir understands themselves as participants of the congregation, a producer of entertainment or a liturgical actor will decide not only the function of the choir, but inflict on the overall understanding of worship.