Peront ⦁ Re-forming Music 58 that were salvageable from the Catholic mass.39 However, Luther gleaned inspiration from other sources as well, such as Gregorian chant, sacred folk songs, and the Bible itself. In order to maintain familiarity for the congregation, he drew from old tradition and melodies while adding new harmonies and lyrics. Specifically, Luther wrote in a way different than that of Jean Calvin and other Protestants; he mixed unison, polyphony, choral, instrumental, and congregational singing, even within individual hymns.40 To create ease in learning this new music, Luther adopted a mindset of complete practicality. He took over many familiar melodies, and simply changed their texts, resulting in hymns such as Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott and Mitten wir im Leben sind.41 He wrote metrical Psalms, setting Scripture itself into song form. Additionally, he followed the example set by Minnesingers and Meistersingers and wrote many of his hymns in bar form, where each stanza followed the form of AAB.42 Luther understood that bar form allowed for easier memorization, so this was his preferred form of composition, to aid the general congregation in its transition to a different musical tradition.43 He also wrote multiple sets of lyrics to the same melodies, to maintain melodic familiarity while introducing new texts; this also provided some simplicity as more music was introduced. Though Luther’s focus was more theological than musical, it is important to acknowledge his musical understanding and consideration in adapting the liturgy. Andreas Loewe insists that “Martin Luther’s appreciation for music as a practical instrument to promote the message of the Reformation by the creation of vernacular hymnody and specifically Lutheran liturgical music has dominated studies of Luther and his music. His systematic understanding of music, on the other hand, has been consistently neglected.”44 He had a strong sense of aural recognition and was able to detect and correct errors in part-writing. He also composed with consistency and accuracy, even in larger choral settings. Luther also proofread copies of manuscripts and was able to correct them, demonstrating extensive knowledge of music theory and composition.45 It is because of the importance with which Luther regarded music that he 39 Dowley, 86. 40 Westermeyer, 149. 41 Leaver, 70. 42 Westermeyer, 148. 43 Leaver, 79. 44 Loewe, “Musica est optimum,” 598. 45 Grew, 70.
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