Photo: epd-bild/Jens SchulzeSinging together, for example in the parish, connects and inspires.Martin Luther brought the "hits" of his time, the popular tunes and the folk songs of the Middle Ages, into the church by making the parishioners sing. And in the epochal works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Luther's own songs became the epitome of church music.

Since that time, hymns convey biblical insights and touch the soul of the people – going even beyond the message that is contained in the lyrics. Music speaks to the heart and the senses and reaches beyond the mind. Based on these impulses is a very specific Protestant church music tradition, for which Johann Walter has already laid a foundation during Luther's lifetime.

One of the fundamental concerns of the Reformation is that everybody participates actively in the music. Until today, singing and making music together is an especially vital and attractive part of Protestant parish life. The important role of the organ has not always been as self-evident as it seems to be today. Read more about where the music is playing in the Evangelical Church.