Abstract:
Martin Luther’s views on the pipe organ as a functional instrument in the liturgy of the Reformation
have been regarded as controversial for over 500 years. Based on selective research in the past, he
has too often unjustifiably been stigmatised as the reformer who fervently rejected the instrument
extensively throughout his lifetime. The main purpose of this research is to affirm empirically Luther’s
insights into music in general, and particularly the pipe organ, by assessing his personal comments, his
change in perceptions that followed in subsequent years, as well as addressing a number of fabrications
attributed to him pertaining to the instrument. The research also endeavours to dismiss ultimately the
tenuous narrative that he was completely opposed to the use of the pipe organ in the liturgy of the
Reformation throughout his life. By focussing on ascribing the correct and proven opinions of Luther
about the pipe organ and its liturgical purpose, it will endorse his position in history as a man of
exceptional musical depth, camaraderie, appreciation and understanding. By applying this methodology,
it becomes possible to re-envision Luther as someone who did not unwarrantedly reject all Roman
Catholic musical traditions; he embraced it as a foundation for the implementation of a reformed
musical liturgy, enhanced by the purposeful employment of the pipe organ in such a setting.
