A new song we will start to sing
Luther’s chorales in the Bach Festival 2017
»We know that music is hateful and intolerable to devils. I really believe, and am not ashamed to assert, that next to theology there is no art equal to music, for it is the only one, except theology, which can give a quiet and happy mind.« (Martin Luther, Letter to Ludwig Senfl, October 1, 1530)
The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is an occassion to showcast works that are based on Luther’s chorales: sometimes, the complete text was used, more often only singles verses. But not only in vocal works, but also in instrumental pieces we can hear Luther’s chorales – most obviously in the organ chorales.