During the Middle Ages, all across Continental Europe as well as in England, cathedrals sprung up. Innovative in their architecture, these visible signs of an inward piety still survive, and represent perfect monuments to the spirit of the times.

One of the best preserved is the cathedral at Köln. It is still in daily use, and very popular with tourists who come along the Rhine.

As a further expression of the religious piety of the Middle Ages, the music of the day tended to center around the church. Most notable among the musical genres of the times, was Gregorian Chant. Oddly enough, its popularity is enjoying a revival today.

Even after the Rennaisance music tended to be for the most part Church-centered. Many a composer and musician earned his living as an organist or choir director for a local cathedral. No exception to this rule was Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach was one of the most prolific composers in history. It has been estimated that if a modern man were to sit down and attempt to just copy the works of Bach, he would never finish it in his lifetime. Bach was also the father of 21 children. One wag said that this proves that there were at least two things Bach liked to do! To hear a composition written by Bach, click here.

A contemporary of Bach was Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767). Telemann was considered to be another Master of the Baroque Period, but wrote in a different style than Bach. To hear one of his compositions, click here.

By the 16th Century, the Roman Church had become far too powerful, and filled with corruption. It was time for a change. Indeed, a change was long overdue. It took one person to set the ball rolling. That person was Martin Luther. He essentially began the Reformation by the posting of his Ninety-Five Theses.

Luther was far more than a theologian. He also had talent as a music composer. Luther wrote a hymn which remains one of the most popular ever written. It's title is A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

Ron Springer

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