I wish to see all arts, principally music, in the service of him who gave and created them. Music 

is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forgo my humble share of music. 

Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music

makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after 

theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is 

the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart...The devil flees before the sound of 

music almost as much as before the Word of God.

Martin Luther, from the introduction to Johann Walter’s hymnal: Wittenberg Geystliches gesang Buchleyn (1534).