The title of this blog is reflective of my work as a Lutheran church musician, and comes from a 1538 poem with this title by Johann Walter, the first Kantor of the Lutheran Church.
In this poem, Walter summarizes the thoughts of Martin Luther on the subject of music. The introduction to this 332-line poem concludes:
I have just named two reasons why God gave us music from on high.
Those reasons teach us we must use The gift from heaven as God would choose:
By it let God be glorified; Then let it be our help and guide.
Since this high art most certainly Was given by God, as all can see,
It outshines other arts in name, Nobility, and lasting fame.
For music and theology Were given by God concurrently.
No other arts with it compare For it breathes purest Gospel air,
Exalting Holy Writ on high And earning highest praise thereby.
In this poem, Walter summarizes the thoughts of Martin Luther on the subject of music. The introduction to this 332-line poem concludes:
I have just named two reasons why God gave us music from on high.
Those reasons teach us we must use The gift from heaven as God would choose:
By it let God be glorified; Then let it be our help and guide.
Since this high art most certainly Was given by God, as all can see,
It outshines other arts in name, Nobility, and lasting fame.
For music and theology Were given by God concurrently.
No other arts with it compare For it breathes purest Gospel air,
Exalting Holy Writ on high And earning highest praise thereby.
