Piano Quartet,String Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.548728

Composed by Martin Luther. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Easter,Instructional,Standards. Score and parts. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3412023. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548728).

Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther. First verses feature modified counterpoint and harmony proceeding at quarter = 82. The final verse is reharmonized for maximum dramatic effect at a more contemplative tempo such as quarter = 64. Very powerful selection for Lent or Easter. Duration (3 verses) 3:05, 36 ms. Score: 5 pg. piano part 2 pg.

Out of the Depths

Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (From deep affliction I cry out to you), is, of course, a hymn composed by Martin Luther. Moreover, Luther also wrote the lyrics which are essentially a paraphrase of Psalm 130. First published in 1524, it is also one of eight songs in the original Lutheran hymnal. It appears likewise in many hymnals and in different translations. The lyrics furthermore stimulated compositions from the Renaissance to contemporary. Consequently, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach built an entire chorale cantata on it. Other composers similarly contributed compositions, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Max Reger.

Luther Background

Martin Luther, (1483 –1546) was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and moreover, an influential character in the Protestant Reformation. Luther had a momentous impact on church and society due to his contributions to the musical arts. He wanted to disseminate the gospel among mankind and with this intention thought that the best way to do that was through music.

Influence

It is important to realize that other musicians, and their descendants, were encouraged by Luther’s songs and wrote their own hymns. Luther, to be sure, had a thorough musical education. For example, he knew secular and sacred songs from an early age. He, in particular, played the lute well and sang in the monastery when he was a monk. That is to say, music was an essential part of his life. He in fact first began writing songs in 1523, sometimes writing the melody as well as the lyrics. Luther was certainly able to evaluate the composers of his time. He thought especially highly of Josquin des and Ludwig Senfl. He was also acquainted, with this in mind, with other composers and their works.

Legacy

The Lutheran musical ethos soon covered all of Germany and later significantly fashioned Protestant musical culture. Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach are the most compelling evidence of this Protestant musical culture. Additionally, as a point often overlooked, the pedal organ, first refined in northern Germany, became universally prevalent. As a matter of fact, Dieterich Buxtehude established a regular evening organ concert series in Lübeck. Another key point is that this concert series, in turn, spread North German Musical ideas worldwide. Luther was especially convinced that music is a beautiful and exclusive offering of the divine.

Piano Quartet - Level 1 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.548636

Composed by Mueller. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas. 7 pages. Jmsgu3 #3405937. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548636).

Arranged with a re-harmonized final verse. 

Away in a Manger is a popular Christmas song published in the late 19th century and performed worldwide. In England, it is considered one of the two most popular carols of all time; a 1996 poll ranked it as a tie for second place. To begin with, many thought Martin Luther wrote it, but now the song is considered to be American. The most common musical arrangements are by William Kirkpatrick (1895) and James R. Murray (1887). The melody was first published as Luther's Cradle Hymn by James R. Murray. Then came a confusing series of explanations about how Martin Luther wrote the song. Murray even went so far as to suggest that Luther wrote it for his children. As a result, the song has become known as “Mueller.� Nobody knows who this “Mueller� is, but the name stuck.
 
Popularity

By the 1880’s the cradle song was being performed in church. By the 1990’s the song was becoming the most popular Christmas song ever. Nearly everyone sang it in school, in church, and at home.

Other musical settings

The first musical setting published with the lyrics appeared in the Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (1885). The title was Away in a Manger. This edition is the first one not attributing the song to Martin Luther.

 Charles H. Gabriel was the first arranger to present the third verse. He also composed and published many different arrangements of the song. In one of his settings, he supplies a chorus for each verse with asleep sung in canon. Another prevalent preparation uses the lyrics to the melody Flow Gently, Sweet Afton. Yet another arrangement dating uses the lyrics to an old Normandy Carol.