Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies
Authoritative study by a renowned musicologist and Reformation scholar
Many scholars think that congregational singing was not established in Lutheran worship until well after the start of the Reformation. In this book Robin A. Leaver calls that view into question, presenting new research to confirm the earlier view that congregational singing was both the intention and the practice right from the beginning of the Wittenberg reforms in worship.
Leaver's study focuses on the Wittenberg hymnal of 1526, which until now has received little scholarly attention. This hymnal, Leaver argues, shows how the Lutheran Reformation was to a large degree defined, expressed, promoted, and taken to heart through early Lutheran hymns. Examining what has been forgotten or neglected about the origins of congregational hymnody under Martin Luther's leadership, this study of worship, music, and liturgy is a significant contribution to Reformation scholarship.
220 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-8028-7375-0
REVIEWS
Stephen A. Crist
— Emory University
"Though focused on a significant reevaluation of one specific hymnal
published in Wittenberg in 1526, this book is a virtuosic study of Lutheran
congregational song in its formative first two decades (1517–36). The depth
and breadth of Leaver's erudition are dazzling. This is the lucid and
detailed account of the origins of Protestant hymnody that we have been
awaiting."
Bryan D. Spinks
— Yale Institute of Sacred Music
"Robin Leaver is one of the leading scholars of the musical traditions of
the Reformation. In this detailed and comprehensive study he presents and
discusses the rich contributions of both Luther and the Wittenberg
Reformation to congregational hymns. This is an important book both for
historians of music and for liturgical studies."
Paul Westermeyer
— Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
"A most welcome addition to Reformation studies generally and to Luther's
contribution to the church's song particularly. The text tells the story,
but for those who want even more details, the footnotes and appendices
amply provide the data to pursue them. We owe Leaver deep and abiding
gratitude."
Michael Marissen
— author of
Bach & God
"Drawing on a lifetime's experience and expertise, Leaver has charted not
only a superb introduction to the world of Lutheran hymnody but also a
fundamental rereading of its early history."
William Weedon
— LCMS Director of Worship
"A masterful refutation of the relatively recent notion that congregational
singing was not integral to Luther's program for the renewal of the
liturgy. . . . A must-read!"
