Thine the Amen

A series of essays by various authors
ISBN: 978-1932688115
Amazon
Reviewed for ArmchairInterviews

A collection of essays written for the music student or someone who simply loves the history of music in the Lutheran church, Thine the Amen is full of fascinating and educational information. Up to 16 authors are included in this book from Editor Carlos Messerli all the way to Paul Westermeyer and Paul Bouman. All authors give wonderful history lessons behind the music used currently in the Lutheran church, as well as many other denominations, and insight as to what the composers were thinking and feeling during their times of writing. Martin Marty states it well in the foreword, “…it occurred to me that what the readers hold in their hands is not so much a book as a reference library. …not so much to be read as to be used.”

The book is divided into three parts. Part I covers music in the Lutheran Heritage, dating all the way back into the 1500’s. Part II discusses Musical Heritage and Worship in the 21st Century, dealing with choirs, children’s songs, the idea of music being music and not having doctrinal themes, and how passion for music creates new life. A particular essay in this section is a letter written by Paul Bouman to a new church choir director. He offers advice on how to pick music for the choir, how to get the best from the choir while also enjoying the music himself, and finally offers 30 pieces of music that were special to him. Part III is a special essay written by Steven Wente on “The Life and Works of Carl Schalk” whom the book honors.

One thing that I learned from this book was the J.S. Bach composed and wrote music for the Lutheran church. I did not realize that Bach wrote religious music!! One quote I liked from Bach was, “With devotional music God is always present in his grace.”

Armchair Interviews says: Great for music students or those who love to learn about music.