Week 1: Latin Liturgical Sequences and the Roots of German Congregational Singing

“Music,” said Martin Luther, “is a ruler of all the heart’s emotions. Nothing on earth has more power than music to make joyful the sad, make sad the joyful, or give heart to the downcast.” The Protestant Reformation that Luther set in motion in Germany marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable eras of sacred music composition in the history of the church. This class focuses on German hymn texts and melodies—both familiar and unfamiliar—from the 16th through the 18th centuries. We’ll explore their meaning for the life of faith, discover what’s lost (or gained) in English translation, and seek to reconnect to a profound strand of Christian tradition via a weekly hymn sing.