Reformation Hymnody: A Gift for All Time
Luther in the circle of his family, by Gustav Adolph Spangenberg, edited
When Martin Luther (1483–1546) posted his 95 theses on the Wittenberg church door in 1517, he had no intention of forming an entirely new denomination. The Reformation changed the function and style of church music significantly. It was Luther, himself a lover of music, an accomplished singer, and skilled composer who enthusiastically encouraged such modifications.
For over 800 years, Latin Gregorian chant was the prevailing style of church music. Most Germans knew no Latin; congregational participation therefore was impossible. Observing the clergy conducting liturgy was the norm. When the Reformation occurred, changes in the role and style of sacred music evolved. Sixteenth-century Germans would attempt to understand the true meaning of the Gospel in their own tongue.
Church music of the time reflected Luther’s position on the subject. He viewed music as a gift from God and a vehicle to proclaim the Gospel. He desired music to be a teaching tool and a way for individuals to keep the Word in their hearts and minds.
Luther’s view gave direction to the use of music in Lutheran worship. In the matter of liturgy, he was not a revolutionary reformer. He retained the best of traditional forms that did not contradict his view of the Gospel. He believed worship in the vernacular was essential; people should understand the texts in liturgy and be able to sing them. Large congregations in urban settings used Latin liturgy (Formula Missae et Communionis), Gregorian chant, and polyphonic music; simpler music in German (Deudsche Messe) served for smaller, rural parishes.
The Choral (in English, “chorale”) or Kirchenleid (church song) is the most significant musical contribution of the Lutheran Reformation. Chorale melodies included updated folksongs and newly composed tunes. Luther created new texts which people could learn and retain easily, as many were illiterate and printed books were scarce. Chorales were intended for unison singing, without harmony or accompaniment, unlike four-part hymnody in current hymnals. Musicians frequently adapted secular tunes for sacred purposes in the 16th century. Luther often re-worked common tunes of the day for chorale use, but there is no evidence that he used “drinking songs,” contrary to popular myth.
Martin Luther wrote 38 hymns, as well as paraphrases of the Mass and of psalms. He composed chorales for Sundays of the liturgical year, the catechism, the creed, captism, and Holy Communion. He collaborated with Johann Walter (1496-1570, and many hymns were published in Walter’s volume Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn (1524).
Luther’s best-known hymn text, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, is a paraphrase of Psalm 46. The tune is ascribed to him, but possibly existed from an earlier era. Savior of the Nations, Come (‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland) is reworked from the Gregorian hymn Veni redemptor gentium. To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray (Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist) is based upon the chant Veni Sancte Spiritus. We All Believe in One True God (Wir glauben all an einen Gott) uses a Latin credo tune from 1300. Luther wrote the 15-stanza text and original melody for From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her) the well-loved Christmas hymn, in which the voice of an angel depicts Jesus’ birth.
Lutheran Reformation hymns were stunningly popular; hymnwriters and composers created new church songs at a rapid pace. The printing press aided the distribution of hymnody. Johann Walter) was the first Lutheran kantor, and was an advisor and colleague of Martin Luther. He desired that a holy and proper use of music in worship prevail in German churches. A poet as well as composer, Walter produced a lengthy, rhymed poem of 324 lines which describe his view of music’s importance in liturgy.
“That such unmerited free grace (which God from love for all our race
Had promised in His word) might be kept fresh in human memory
And move the heart to high delight in praising God both day and night –
This is the weightiest reason why God music did at once supply…
I have just named the reason why God gave us music from on high.
These reasons teach us we must use the gift from heaven as God would choose:
By it let God be glorified; then let it be our help and guide.
Many hymns by influential Reformation hymnwriters have stood the test of time. Protestants found comfort in such hymns during times of persecution following the Reformation. Texts proclaim Gospel truths, express devotion and trust in God’s care. Reformation-era hymnwriters include Paul Speratus, Paul Eber, Justus Jonas (colleagues of Luther), as well as significant women poets including Elizabeth Cruciger, Elizabeth of Brunswick, and Ursula von Munsterberg.
As an example, Speratus wrote Salvation Unto Us Has Come from a prison cell, as he had upheld Lutheran teachings to the scorn of some. His personal theology is revealed in stanzas such as:
“Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone and rests in him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known, with love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify; works serve our neighbor and supply the proof that faith is living.”
Paul Eber, professor of Hebrew at Wittenberg penned When in the Hour of Utmost Need, with verses applicable in challenging circumstances:
“Our comfort then is this alone: that we may meet before your throne
And cry to you, O faithful God, for rescue from our sorry lot.
For you have made a promise true to pardon those who flee to you,
Through him whose name alone is great, our Savior and our advocate.”
Lutheran hymnody, borne out of Reformation upheaval is a gift to the Church throughout the centuries. Many of these hymns appear in current hymnals and deserve to be learned, revisited, and sung. Our rich treasure of hymns enhances our worship of Almighty God and enriches our devotion. May we continue to sing unto God songs old and new—Soli Deo Gloria! S
Sister Cynthia Pock, n/OLF, AAGO
Cantor at First English Lutheran Church, Downtown
cantor@flcpittsburgh.org | 412-471-8125