Lutheran Hymnody

Lutheranism is the branch of Protestantism that generally follows the teachings of Martin Luther. The Lutheran movement diffused after 1517 from Saxony through many other German territories into Scandinavia. In the 18th century it spread to America and, thereafter, into many nations of the world, and it has come to number more than 70 million adherents. As such, it lays claim to being the largest non Roman Catholic body in the Western Christian church. [From Believe, used by permission. See Lutheranism, Protestant Reformation, and Martin Luther at the WEB site, Believe. For indepth information, see Martin Luther and Lutheranism from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Also, check out Protestantism and The Reformation.]

Martin Luther is important in the history of hymnody for restoring congregational singing in worship. In addition, he wrote hymns, composed hymn tunes and wrote extensively about the importance of music and art in worship.

The significance of Martin Luther
Luther's Hymns in English and the original German (The Wittenberg Project)
The Musical Reforms of Martin Luther 1
The Musical Reforms of Martin Luther 2
The Lutheran chorale
A Reason to Sing -- Martin Luther and the importance of congregational singing, by J. P. Janson
Luther, Bach, and the Early Reformation Chorale (Robert L. Marshall)
Historical periods of Lutheran hymnody
Lutheran hymn writers (texts)
Lutheran chorale composers (tunes)
So, what's a Meistersinger?
Rhythmic/Isorhythmic chorales
Precursors of Lutheran hymnody (German hymnody before the Reformation)
Sources of German Reformation hymns
The use of the chorale in the German Service
Important collections of Lutheran hymns
The influence of Lutheran hymnody on some other traditions
What's happening now with Lutheran hymnody?
A short list of Lutheran hymns you should know
Renaissance [musical] Style

Explore some sites devoted to Martin Luther and Lutheran beliefs

Explore some sites devoted to The Protestant Reformation