500 Years Protestant Reformation (1517-2017): A Revolution in Music

Location

Saints Tekakwitha and Serra Hall, Humanities Center, 200

Free

The Reformation set in motion a rebellion against the monolithic authority of the Catholic Church. Through a revolution in music, Martin Luther exerted a profound influence on the religious and cultural life of sixteenth century Europe. The mass distribution of printed hymnbooks for the use at home encouraged musical literacy among all levels of society. He developed new types of religious music, and in particular fostered polyphony as a mirror of a multi-faceted, individualized articulation of belief. Beginning with Luther’s own hymns, we will consider polyphonic settings based on them, and trace their ultimate transformation in the music of J. S. Bach whose power, beauty, and reach continues today.

Presentation by Marianne Pfau, PhD, Professor of Music History