This monumental project presents a complete recording of all hymns, ballads, and chants written or composed by Martin Luther. The 4-CD set furnishes vocal and instrumental settings using Renaissance, Baroque, and modern instruments and supplies English texts and historic narrative quoting Luther.

Martin Luther saw music as an outstanding gift from God and placed it next in importance to the Word of God. He believed that all the arts, especially music, should be used in the service of Him who has given and created them. Luther saw the ultimate goal of music as proclamation of the Gospel and the praise of God.

As noted by the editors of this project, “The way to proclaim that Gospel is to proclaim Christ and His work. The hymns of Luther are not about him or his work, nor are they really about us and what we can do. Luther’s hymns are about Christ and His saving work on our behalf.

“One of the greatest chapters in the story of the Reformation of the church is the one focused on Martin Luther and his hymns. Luther was a gifted musician with a talent for singing, playing the flute and lute, and composing. . . . The time leading up to Luther’s first hymn in 1523 was spent in translating the entire New Testament and a good portion of the Old Testament. . . . His work in translation and in worship reform became the seedbed for the flourishing of his hymn writing.”

Concordia Publishing House (2004) has done a great service for the Christian church in providing this 39-track CD set with hymns for Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter and paraphrases of several Psalms, the Nicene Creed, and chief parts of the Catechism, including the Ten Commandments and Lord’s Prayer. The accompanying 64-page booklet has lyrics and brief comments concerning the history of each music setting.

This CD set is a thorough introduction to Luther’s music. Theologians, musicians, and lay people should consider it a worthy personal investment and are also encouraged to make provision for it in the church library.

Marian Christopherson
AFLC Parish Education Director
Plymouth, MN

NOTE: The 64-page booklet is free to download, and clips of music samples are also available to listen to at: https://www.cph.org/p-6291-martin-luther-hymns-ballads-chants-truth-cd.aspx

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store