The Reformation Hymn of Martin Luther

Luther proclaimed as did no other religious leader of his century the value of music in church life. A performer and a composer himself, he strove for superior quality in music. When stating that the singing of praises to God was profitable to devotion, Luther was on common ground with his fellow reformers. In his encouragement of all forms of church music appropriate to worship, Luther was very much alone. Since Luther was anxious that music in church fulfill its true purpose, the service of God, he preferred the music of voices. He did not, however, discourage the use of the organ or other instruments as long as he felt they fulfilled the basic purpose of worship