Carl Schalk, a Lutheran composer, author, and lecturer, wrote a short 56-page booklet, Luther on Music: Paradigms of Praise. Schalk states in the preface that “the purpose [of the book] is three-fold: (1) to establish the importance of music—especially in Luther’s early life, in his education in the schools, and in his life in the monastery—in shaping his understanding of the role of music in the Christian life; (2) to show how Luther’s developing understanding of music in Christian life and worship led him to a practical and many-faceted involvement in a variety of music’s aspects; (3) to bring into sharp relief several distinct paradigms, or patterns of thought, that dominated Luther’s theological understanding of the role of music in the church’s life and ministry.” These paradigms are: Music as God’s Creation and Gift, Music as Proclamation and Praise, Music as Liturgical Song, Music as the Song of Royal Priests, and Music as a Sign of Continuity with the Whole Church. Schalk supports each of these paradigms with many quotes from Luther, mostly taken from the American Edition of Luther’s Works, and shares implications for the present day.

This booklet is written in a research-style format. One can read the first paragraph of each section and get a wonderful snapshot of what that section is. The first sentence of each paragraph perfectly sets up the remainder of the paragraph. Because it is written in this format, the reader can skim quickly and easily know which sections to invest more time.

Overall, the book leans toward a high-church/liturgical viewpoint. The quotes that Schalk chooses support his paradigms well. However, there are plenty of other quotes from Luther on music that would also support congregational and regional autonomy in regards to the structure of the worship service and the music therein.

Luther on Music: Paradigms of Praise provides a great overview of music in Luther’s life, is stocked full of direct quotes from Luther, and offers five well-supported paradigms of Luther’s understanding of the role of music in ministry.

Andrew Hanson
AFLBS/TS Director of Music
Plymouth, MN

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