"Every masterpiece is a work of religious music," insisted Ralph Shapey (1921–2001), one of the most original, fearlessly dynamic, outspoken, and provocative—as well as proudly difficult—composers in the elite pantheon of serious American composers of the second half of the 20th century. "My credo," he was fond of declaring whenever the subject of religious conviction was broached and whenever he was asked how his solid Jewish identity affected his music, "is simple:

• All great art is a miracle.
• The music must speak for itself.
• Great art is a mystery and creates—is—magic.
• That which the mind of mankind can conceive will be done, to paraphrase sentiments in the Talmud.
• A w...