05/13/2015

ALCM Columbus Cantor Connection: Five-Year Countdown to the Reformation Hymn Festival III: Preaching the Faith

ALCM Columbus Cantor Connection: Five-Year Countdown to the Reformation Hymn Festival III: Preaching the Faith

Zebulon Highben, conductor

June 14, 2015 at 7 p.m.
Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229
For information: Call 614.262.7389 or 614.214.2639

It is common understanding that Martin Luther saw hymns as a powerful means of teaching the new evangelical faith, their texts written in the language of the people so that they could understand what was being taught.

His hymns do indeed articulate Reformation doctrines in a clear, direct and compelling way. But they do more than that.

It has been said that all of Luther’s writings have the quality of a sermon. This is also true of his hymns. With commentary written by Gracia M. Grinda, Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric at Luther Seminary, this hymn festival, “Preaching the Faith,” will explore the ways in which Luther’s hymns are actually sermons – but with the great spiritual benefit of music added.

Hymns tp be sung include “Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray” in a concertato arrangement by Zebulon Highben, “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands,” “Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee,” and a concertato setting of “A Mighty Fortress” by Nancy Raabe. In addition, the Festival Choir will sing Carl Schalk’s setting of Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer. Hymn arrangements and translations will include some from the landmark series “The Hymns of Martin Luther” by Paul Bunjes, Richard Hillert, and Carl Schalk, with new translations by F. Samuel Janzow.

This is the third annual citywide hymn festival in a series of five being presented by Cantor Connection as we count down the years to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Musicians are drawn from across the state for these events.

The hymn festival is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be taken.