2012: Reformation and Music
The reformer himself was an accomplished singer and lute player, was able to compose in the polyphonic style of the time and was well acquainted with the work of the composers of that period. It is known through his writings that he attached great importance to music alongside theology. In his opinion music had an exceptional moral and psychological influence on people. It was, for example, an effective means against “anger, quarrel, hate, envy, miserliness, worry, sadness and murder”, as Luther wrote in the preface of his hymnbooks.
Luther advocated performing music as opposed to musical theory and musical philosophy. He called for the active participation of the congregation in the musical arrangement of church services. To achieve this, parts of the Latin mass were replaced by German songs and in doing so the special features of songs had to be tailored to the German language. Approximately 40 songs were handed down by Luther. In at least 20 of these the melodies came from the reformer himself. He received some support during the composition of the songs from the electoral cantor Konrad Rupff and the choirmaster Johann Walter. Alongside liturgical songs he also used melodies of well-known folk, student and Christmas songs. Martin Rößler described the psalm hymns, with which the old songs and prayers of Israel were modernised for Christians at the time of Luther, as the “very own discovery of Luther”. The most well-known songs are “From Heaven above to Earth I come”, “Out of deep distress I cry to you” and the song known as the “Marseillaise of the reformation”, “A mighty fortress is our God”. The Luther chorals first appeared in the Achtliederbuch (Hymnal of Eight) in 1523/24.
Luther saw music as an elementary part of school and university education. Teachers and pastors should at least be able to sing and preferably have theoretical and practical musical abilities. He constantly emphasised the educational value of music and encouraged its protection and support through the ruling classes. These are demands which are timeless and are more present than ever in our time.
Follow us on a musical trip back in time …..