What was Martin Luther's perspective on the importance of music and hymns in the German language?

Martin Luther, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation, viewed music and hymns, particularly those in German, as crucial tools for fostering and developing faith among people. He believed that congregational singing and the use of vernacular language in worship were vital for spiritual growth.

How did Martin Luther approach existing texts when writing his hymns?

When Martin Luther drew upon pre-existing texts, such as those from the Bible or other Latin and German hymns, he did not simply copy them. Instead, he extensively expanded, transformed, and interpreted these sources through his own theological lens, imbuing them with his personal understanding and message.

What role did Johann Walter play in the creation of Martin Luther's hymns?

Johann Walter collaborated with Martin Luther on the musical aspects of his hymns. This collaboration involved working on the tunes, which sometimes included modifying older melodies, to accompany Luther's newly written or adapted texts.

In which significant collections were Martin Luther's hymns first published in 1524?

In 1524, Martin Luther's hymns were published in several key collections. These included the *Achtliederbuch*, Johann Walter's choral hymnal titled *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* (published in Wittenberg), and the *Erfurt Enchiridion* (published in Erfurt). The *Klugsches Gesangbuch* also featured his hymns later, in 1529.

What is the primary language of the hymns attributed to Martin Luther?

The primary language of the hymns written by Martin Luther, as indicated in the source material, is German. This focus on vernacular language was part of his broader effort to make religious practice more accessible to the common people.

What is the date range provided for the writing of Martin Luther's hymns?

According to the provided information, Martin Luther's hymns were written between 1524 and 1541. This period covers the main output of his work as a hymn writer during the Reformation era.

What is the title of the hymn featured in the infobox image, and in which collection does it appear?

The hymn featured in the infobox image is titled "Gelobet seystu Jhesu Christ". It appears in Johann Walter's collection, *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn*.

Which hymn, based on Psalm 130, was published in both the *Achtliederbuch* and the *Erfurt Enchiridion*?

The hymn 'Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir', which is based on Psalm 130, was published in both the *Achtliederbuch* as number 7 and in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* as number 17. The *Achtliederbuch* version contains four stanzas, while the *Erfurt Enchiridion* version has five.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot'?

The hymn 'Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot' is based on the Ten Commandments. It was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 1.

Which hymn is based on the Latin text 'Media vita in morte sumus' and was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion*?

The hymn 'Mitten wir im Leben sind' is based on the Latin text 'Media vita in morte sumus' (which translates to 'In the midst of life, we are in death'). It was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 4.

What is the note associated with the hymn 'Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet'?

The hymn 'Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet', published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524, is noted as being available only in the Loersfeld edition.

What is the thematic note for the hymn 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt'?

The hymn 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt' is associated with the theme of the Eucharist. It was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 11.

Which hymn, related to the Resurrection of Jesus, was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion*?

The hymn 'Christ lag in Todesbanden', which is based on 'Christ ist erstanden' and relates to the Resurrection of Jesus, was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 19.

What are the publication details and notes for the hymn 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand'?

The hymn 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand' was published in 1524 in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* as number 20, with melody number 1. A second version or publication occurred in 1529 with melody number 2. The hymn is noted as being related to Easter.

Which hymn by Martin Luther is associated with Advent and is based on the Latin text 'Veni redemptor gentium'?

The hymn 'Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland' is associated with Advent and is based on the Latin text 'Veni redemptor gentium'. It was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 21.

What is the text source and occasion for the hymn 'Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist'?

The hymn 'Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist' is based on the Latin text 'Veni Creator Spiritus' and is associated with Pentecost. It was published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 24.

What is unique about the hymn 'Ein neues Lied wir heben an' according to the provided notes?

The hymn 'Ein neues Lied wir heben an', published in the *Erfurt Enchiridion* in 1524 as number 25, is noted as being Martin Luther's first hymn.

Which hymn, based on the 'Veni Sancte Spiritus', is related to Pentecost and was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn*?

The hymn 'Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist', based on 'Veni Sancte Spiritus' and related to Pentecost, was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 1.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Mensch, willst du leben seliglich'?

The hymn 'Mensch, willst du leben seliglich' is based on the Ten Commandments. It was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 19.

Which hymn is based on the 'Nunc dimittis' from the Gospel of Luke and was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn*?

The hymn 'Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin' is based on the 'Nunc dimittis' passage from Luke 2:29–32. It was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 27.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit'?

The hymn 'Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit' is based on Psalm 124. It was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 28.

Which hymn is associated with Trinity Sunday and was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn*?

The hymn 'Gott der Vater wohn uns bei' is associated with Trinity Sunday and was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 34.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott'?

The hymn 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott' is based on the Nicene Creed. It was published in *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* in 1524 as number 35.

Which hymn, based on Isaiah 6, is identified as 'Der Sanctus Deutsch'?

The hymn 'Jesaja, dem Propheten, das geschah', based on Isaiah 6, is identified as 'Der Sanctus Deutsch' (The German Sanctus). It was published in 1526.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Christe, du Lamm Gottes'?

The hymn 'Christe, du Lamm Gottes' is based on the liturgical text 'Agnus Dei'. It was published in 1528.

What is the common English title for Martin Luther's hymn 'Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott'?

Martin Luther's hymn 'Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott', which is based on Psalm 46, is commonly known in English as 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God'. It was published in 1529.

Which hymn is based on the 'Te Deum' and was published in the *Klugsches Gesangbuch*?

The hymn 'Herr Gott, dich loben wir' is based on the 'Te Deum' and was published in the *Klugsches Gesangbuch* in 1529.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich'?

The hymn 'Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich' is based on the hymn 'Da pacem Domine' (Grant us peace, O Lord). It was published in the *Klugsches Gesangbuch* in 1529.

What is the text source and format for the hymn 'Meine Seele erhebt den Herren'?

The hymn 'Meine Seele erhebt den Herren' is based on the Magnificat from Luke 1:46–55. It was published in 1532 and is noted as being in prose format, set to a chant tune.

Which hymn is based on Revelation 12 and was published in 1535?

The hymn 'Sie ist mir lieb, die werte Magd', based on Revelation 12, was published in 1535.

What are the publication details and notes for the Christmas hymn 'Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her'?

The Christmas hymn 'Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her', based on Luke 2:8–14, was published in 1535 with melody number 1, and again in 1539 with melody number 2.

Which hymn, related to the Kyrie eleison, is attributed to Martin Luther and was published around 1537/1538?

The hymn 'Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit', related to the Kyrie eleison, is attributed to Martin Luther and was published around 1537 or 1538. It is based on 'Kyrie, fons bonitatis'.

What is the text source for the hymn 'Vater unser im Himmelreich'?

The hymn 'Vater unser im Himmelreich' is based on the Lord's Prayer. It was published in 1539.

Which hymn, associated with Baptism, was published in 1543?

The hymn 'Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam', associated with Baptism, was published in 1543.

What is the text source and occasion for the hymn 'Der du bist drei in Einigkeit'?

The hymn 'Der du bist drei in Einigkeit' is based on the Latin text 'O lux beata Trinitas' and is associated with Trinity Sunday. It was published in 1543.

Which hymn, related to Christmas, was published in 1543 and is based on Luke 2:8–14?

The Christmas hymn 'Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar', based on Luke 2:8–14, was published in 1543.

What is the text source for the 'Deutsche Litanei'?

The 'Deutsche Litanei', or German Litany, is based on the Litany of the Saints. Its publication date is not specified in the provided text.

Which hymns are sometimes attributed to Martin Luther but are not included in the main list?

Hymns sometimes attributed to Martin Luther but not listed in the main table include 'All Herr und Lob soll Gottes sein', 'Unser große Sünde und schwere Missetat', 'Christ ist erstanden', and 'Nun lasst uns den Leib begraben'.

What are some of Martin Luther's significant written works mentioned in the 'Martin Luther' navbox?

The 'Martin Luther' navbox lists several of his significant written works, including the Ninety-five Theses (1517), On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520), On the Freedom of a Christian (1520), the Luther Bible (1522, 1534), Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants (1525), On the Bondage of the Will (1525), the Small Catechism (1529), and the Large Catechism (1529).

What are some of the key early collections of Lutheran hymns mentioned in the navboxes?

Key early collections of Lutheran hymns mentioned include the *Achtliederbuch* (1524), Johann Walter's *Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn* (1524), and the *Erfurt Enchiridion* (1524). The *First Lutheran hymnal* is also noted as being from 1524.

According to the 'Lutheran hymnody' navbox, who are some of the notable hymn writers and hymnologists associated with Lutheran traditions?

The 'Lutheran hymnody' navbox lists numerous hymn writers and hymnologists. Besides Martin Luther himself, notable figures include Johann Sebastian Bach, Paul Gerhardt, N. F. S. Grundtvig, Thomas Kingo, Magnus Brostrup Landstad, and Catherine Winkworth, among many others.

What are some of the major themes or occasions for hymns listed in the 'Lutheran hymns' navbox?

The 'Lutheran hymns' navbox categorizes hymns by themes and occasions such as Advent or Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Passion, Easter, Pentecost, Trinity, Reformation, The church, Life everlasting, Justification or Law and Gospel, Trials, Lord's Supper, Baptism, Dying and Burials, Thanks and Praise, Morning, and Evening.

What is the common English title for the hymn 'Macht hoch die Tür'?

The hymn 'Macht hoch die Tür', listed under Advent or Christmas, is commonly known in English as 'Lift Up Your Heads'. The text notes it is based on Psalm 24.

Which hymn, often associated with trials and suffering, is listed in the 'Lutheran hymns' navbox?

Several hymns are listed under the 'Trials' category in the 'Lutheran hymns' navbox, including 'Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid' (O Lord, How Many Miseries), 'Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig', and 'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten' (If Thou but Trust in God to Guide Thee).

What is the text source for the hymn 'Vater unser im Himmelreich' as listed in the 'Lutheran hymns' navbox?

The hymn 'Vater unser im Himmelreich', listed under the 'Lord's Prayer' category, is indeed based on the Lord's Prayer itself. Its English title is 'Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above'.

Which hymn, based on the 'Nunc dimittis', is listed under 'Dying and Burials'?

The hymn 'Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin', based on the 'Nunc dimittis' (Luke 2:29–32), is listed under the 'Dying and Burials' category. Its English translation is 'In Peace and Joy I Now Depart'.

What is the English title for the hymn 'Nun danket all und bringet Ehr'?

The hymn 'Nun danket all und bringet Ehr', listed under 'Thanks and Praise', is translated into English as 'All Ye Who on This Earth Do Dwell'.

Which hymn, based on the Nicene Creed, is listed under the 'Creed' category?

The hymn 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott', based on the Nicene Creed, is listed under the 'Creed' category. Its English translation is 'We All Believe in One True God'.

What is the English title for the hymn 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme'?

The hymn 'Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme', listed under 'Evening', is commonly known in English as 'Wake, Awake, the Night is Flying'.

List Of Hymns By Martin Luther Wiki: Luther's Hymnal: Echoes of the Reformation

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Theological Significance

Music as a Tool for Faith

Martin Luther, a pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation, recognized the profound importance of music, particularly hymns sung in the vernacular German, as essential instruments for fostering and developing faith among the populace. He believed that congregational singing was a vital aspect of worship and spiritual education.

Thematic Breadth

Luther's prolific output of hymns covered a wide spectrum of theological and liturgical themes. These included songs specifically crafted for occasions throughout the ecclesiastical year, such as Advent, Christmas, Purification, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday. He also composed hymns centered on core tenets of the catechism, including the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, Baptism, Confession, and the Eucharist.

Interpretation and Adaptation

A distinctive characteristic of Luther's approach was his method of drawing inspiration from pre-existing texts, including biblical passages, Latin chants, and German hymns. However, he consistently transformed and expanded upon these sources, imbuing them with his own theological interpretations and personal understanding of Christian doctrine. This process resulted in hymns that were both rooted in tradition and refreshingly innovative.

Catalog of Hymns

Key Compositions

The following table details notable hymns attributed to Martin Luther, including their textual sources, publication details, and associated tunes where applicable. Luther collaborated closely with musicians like Johann Walter on the musical settings.

Hymn	Text Source	Publication	Tune	Notes
Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein		1524, Achtliederbuch No. 1	mel. #1	Both mel. by Luther
		1529, Klugsches Gesangbuch	mel. #2
Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein	after Psalm 12	1524, Achtliederbuch No. 5
Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl	after Psalm 14	1524, Achtliederbuch No. 6
Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir	after Psalm 130	1524, Achtliederbuch No. 7		4 stanzas
		1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 17		5 stanzas
Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot	after Ten Commandments	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 1
Mitten wir im Leben sind	after "Media vita in morte sumus"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 4
Gott sei gelobet und gebenedeiet		1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 7		Loersfeld edition only
Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ	song of praise	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 8
Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt	after "Jesus Christus nostra salus"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 11		Eucharist
Wohl dem, der in Gottesfurcht steht	after Psalm 128	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 12
Es woll uns Gott genädig sein	after Psalm 67	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 16
Christ lag in Todesbanden	after "Christ ist erstanden"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 19		Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod		1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 20	mel. #1	Easter
		1529	mel. #2
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland	after "Veni redemptor gentium"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 21		Advent
Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott	after "Veni Sancte Spiritus, reple..."	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 22		Pentecost
Christum wir sollen loben schon	after "A solis ortus cardine"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 23		Christmas
Komm, Gott Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist	after "Veni Creator Spiritus"	1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 24		Pentecost
Ein neues Lied wir heben an		1524, Erfurt Enchiridion No. 25		Luther's first hymn
Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist	after "Veni Sancte Spiritus"	1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 1		Pentecost
Mensch, willst du leben seliglich	after Ten Commandments	1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 19
Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin	after "Nunc dimittis" (Lk 2:29–32)	1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 27
Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit	after Psalm 124	1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 28
Gott der Vater wohn uns bei		1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 34		Trinity
Wir glauben all an einen Gott	after Nicene Creed	1524, Gesangbüchlein No. 35
Jesaja, dem Propheten, das geschah	after Isaiah 6	1526		Sanctus (Der Sanctus Deutsch)
Christe, du Lamm Gottes	after "Agnus Dei"	1528
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott	after Psalm 46	1529		"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"
Herr Gott, dich loben wir	after "Te Deum"	1529, Klugsches Gesangbuch
Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich	after "Da pacem Domine" (hymn)	1529, Klugsches Gesangbuch
Meine Seele erhebt den Herren	Magnificat (Lk 1:46–55)	1532	chant	prose
Sie ist mir lieb, die werte Magd	after Revelation 12	1535
Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her	after Luke 2:8–14	1535	mel. #1	Christmas
		1539	mel. #2
Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit	after "Kyrie, fons bonitatis"	1537/1538?		Kyrie eleison
Die beste Zeit im Jahr ist mein		1538
Vater unser im Himmelreich	after Lord's Prayer	1539
Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort		1542
Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam		1543		Baptism
Der du bist drei in Einigkeit	after "O lux beata Trinitas"	1543		Trinity
Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar	after Luke 2:8–14	1543		Christmas
Deutsche Litanei (German Litany)	after Litany of the Saints
Was fürchtst du Feind Herodes sehr	after "Hostis Herodes impie"

Key Publications

Early Collections

Luther's hymns first appeared in significant collections in 1524. These included the Achtliederbuch (Eight Songs Book), which contained eight hymns, and two influential hymnals published in Erfurt and Wittenberg respectively: the Erfurt Enchiridion and Johann Walter's choral hymnal, Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn. These publications were instrumental in disseminating his musical and theological contributions.

Musical Collaboration

The development of the tunes for Luther's hymns often occurred in collaboration with contemporaries, most notably Johann Walter. While Luther focused on the text and theological message, Walter and others contributed significantly to the musical arrangements, ensuring the hymns were suitable for congregational singing and choral performance.

Scholarly Foundations

Foundational Texts

The understanding of Martin Luther's hymnody is built upon extensive scholarly work. Key references include:

Squire, William Barclay. "Luther, Martin". In A Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Vol. 2. 1900.
Albrecht, Christoph. Einführung in die Hymnologie. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1995.
Becker, Hansjakob. Geistliches Wunderhorn: Große deutsche Kirchenlieder. C. H. Beck, 2009.
Reske, Peter C. The Hymns of Martin Luther. Concordia Publishing House, 2016.

External Resources

Additional resources provide valuable context:

Kirchenlieder von Martin Luther (in German)
Martin Luther at Hymnary.org
LettersLuther4.doc (Chronological catalog of Luther's life events, letters, and works)

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References

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Luther's Hymnal

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Theological Significance 🕊️

🎶 Music as a Tool for Faith

📖 Thematic Breadth

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Catalog of Hymns 📚

🎼 Key Compositions

Key Publications 📰

📖 Early Collections

🎼 Musical Collaboration

Scholarly Foundations 🏛️

📜 Foundational Texts

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Theological Significance

Music as a Tool for Faith

Thematic Breadth

Interpretation and Adaptation

Catalog of Hymns

Key Compositions

Key Publications

Early Collections

Musical Collaboration

Scholarly Foundations

Foundational Texts

Further Reading

External Resources

Teacher's Corner

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References

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