“Music,” said Tschaikovsky, “is the most beautiful of all heaven’s gifts to humanity, a candle in the darkness, it calms, enlightens and stills our souls.” Music is a science and an art, and as such its contribution to our enjoyment and refinement may be immeasurably increased by our study and development of its intricacies. The…
Tag: Reformation
Foremost among those who were called to lead the church from the darkness of popery into the light of a purer faith, stood Martin Luther. Zealous, ardent, and devoted, knowing no fear but the fear of God, and acknowledging no foundation for religious faith but the Holy Scriptures, Luther was the man for the time;…
The execution of Huss had kindled a flame of indignation and horror in Bohemia. It was felt by the whole nation that he had fallen a prey to the malice of the priests and the treachery of the emperor. He was declared to have been a faithful teacher of the truth, and the council that…
John Huss’ story ended on a high note, literally. He was burned alive for refusing to recant his theologies. Yet while the flames consumed him on the stakes, no cry of pain was sounded. Instead, a voice of singing was heard. Many years later, Martin Luther reflected on Huss’ martyrdom and wrote, “I was overwhelmed with astonishment.…
Music is often a reflection of what happens in the society. Many a man’s ideals, beliefs and philosophies are mirrored by music through its tune, rhythm, harmony, lyrics and form. When the Protestant Reformation era came about, the kind of music that emerged to reflect it came in the form of hymns, and a participatory…
Text 1A mighty fortress is our God,a bulwark never failing;our helper He amid the floodof mortal ills prevaling.For still our ancient foedoth seek to work us woe;his craft and power are great,and armed with cruel hate,on earth is not his equal. 2Did we in our own strength confide,our striving would be losing,were not the right…