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Lutheran Music and Meaning
Music has meaning.
More than a series of notes, more than associated verbal texts, more than personal entertainment—music has meaning. In this concise and conversational exploration, Daniel Zager demonstrates how music signals and conveys meaning. With suggested listening examples, chapters discuss the means that the great Lutheran composers used to convey meaning and in what ways liturgy, Church Year, and lectionary provide integrated contexts for meaning. Written specifically for the singer and listener, this book assists the curious in learning more about Lutheran music, its function, and its meaning.
Daniel Zager is retired from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), Rochester, NY, where he served for twenty-one years as associate dean and head of the Sibley Music Library, and associate professor of music. He holds a bachelor of music degree in organ performance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and an MA and a PhD in musicology from the University of Minnesota.
More than a series of notes, more than associated verbal texts, more than personal entertainment—music has meaning. In this concise and conversational exploration, Daniel Zager demonstrates how music signals and conveys meaning. With suggested listening examples, chapters discuss the means that the great Lutheran composers used to convey meaning and in what ways liturgy, Church Year, and lectionary provide integrated contexts for meaning. Written specifically for the singer and listener, this book assists the curious in learning more about Lutheran music, its function, and its meaning.
Daniel Zager is retired from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), Rochester, NY, where he served for twenty-one years as associate dean and head of the Sibley Music Library, and associate professor of music. He holds a bachelor of music degree in organ performance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and an MA and a PhD in musicology from the University of Minnesota.
111 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 28, 2023
Excellent, engaging, and fascinating book! There are many things I appreciated about this book. First were the listening suggestions, suggesting to the reader YouTube searches so they can listen to the work before it is discussed. Second was the overview of historical Lutheran composers. I now have a new music book by Praetorius coming in the mail! And lastly, the discussion of the importance of picking music that fits theologically and thematically with the Sunday on which it'll be used.
One minor complaint is that while the book is supposed to be for the lay members of the congregation, not for the pastors and musicians, I felt like I understood most of the book BECAUSE I'm a musician. While the beginning and ending contain excellent discussions for the lay person, I'm really not sure how accessible the middle of the book is.
One minor complaint is that while the book is supposed to be for the lay members of the congregation, not for the pastors and musicians, I felt like I understood most of the book BECAUSE I'm a musician. While the beginning and ending contain excellent discussions for the lay person, I'm really not sure how accessible the middle of the book is.
July 5, 2025
Pastors, singers, and musicians hone their skills in service of the Gospel. Martin Luther encouraged people to sing hymns in their own language, written in a reverent devotional style. Composers like Bach infused meaningful details within their extended musical work to represent the Law and Gospel through text and music. Theological meanings link the musical composition to the hymn text, readings, and preaching for the particular Sunday in the Church Year. Liturgical worship proclaims the Gospel through a scriptural narrative of music and poetry, emphasizing God's life-giving gifts: forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life in the Word and Sacrament. We receive these gifts in the Divine Service and offer our thanks and praise in response. We worship alongside the saints who came before us and simultaneously commune at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. Together we lift up our voices and sing songs of praise as the heavenly choir of angels and archangels display the glory of God!
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars
The last two chapters are especially helpful for those who might not have paid attention to how music in the Divine Service matches with the readings. The first few chapters are a little dry, but informative. I appreciated the listening suggestions for finding on YouTube some of the music mentioned in the book.
The last two chapters are especially helpful for those who might not have paid attention to how music in the Divine Service matches with the readings. The first few chapters are a little dry, but informative. I appreciated the listening suggestions for finding on YouTube some of the music mentioned in the book.
February 5, 2025
Concise and insightful. Very useful for my ministry as an organist and chorister.
May 31, 2025
Rather disappointing, even for a basic introduction. It hardly discusses musical meaning in itself; just some reasons for singing in the service and a brief history of Lutheran music.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews