Mel Bay's Creative Keyboard® Webzine | Gail Smith - Singing this Hymn for 500 Years

Singing this Hymn for 500 Years

This month will feature a hymn composed by Martin Luther 500 years ago. The hymn is the famous Reformation hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". Martin Luther was a remarkable Augustine monk, who was especially troubled by the system of indulgences. Luther disputed the customary remission of money for sins and the belief in purgatory. He translated the Bible from Latin into the language of the German people enabling them to read the Bible themselves. Luther composed many hymns for the church congregations to sing.

Of all the blessings given by God, Luther felt that music was the most precious gift. He assigned it the highest priority next to theology. Luther sang, played the lute and composed songs. Luther said, "The heart grows satisfied, refreshed, and strengthened by music."

Movies have been made that depict the life of this courageous man. The words in the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" remind me of the mighty Wartburg castle which was a fortress. This is where Martin Luther translated the Bible. The castle is absolutely beautiful. It is in Eisenach, Germany where Martin Luther lived. He was born on November 10, 1483 in Saxony, where his father earned a living as a copper miner.

Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546 - a Thursday.

Today we need musical reformers, people willing to stand up for great music composed in the past that is in danger of being forgotten. First, there exists the need for the people to be educated in music and be able to read it...just as Martin Luther made it possible for the people to have the scriptures in their language.

Martin Luther wrote out 95 reasons, Latin theses, opinions, and propositions which he posted on the doors of the Castle Church at Wittenberg, on October 31, 1517, the eve of All Saints' Day and of the anniversary of the consecration of the Church.

The theses created a sensation which far surpassed Luther's expectations. In fourteen days, they had been translated and spread throughout Germany.

Luther's Hymns have been to the whole body of Protestant Christians a legacy only second to the text of his translation of the Bible. His influence on religion and music is incalculable.

Arrangements of Luther's most famous hymn may be found in "The Sunday Morning Pianist," and "Hymns Made Easy for Piano Book Two" by Gail Smith.

<< Home