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The seventeenth century began an era of new frontiers. The Pilgrims arrived in America. Galileo and Newton explored the heavens and earth to lay the foundations of modern science. Rembrandt and Rubens painted the beauty of life, while Milton and Donne wrote for the heart and soul. And composers brought music and words together in new forms in instrumental music, congregational and choral song. All this happened in a century when parts of Europe were engaged in a devastating war! An increasingly varied repertoire of hymns for the congregation filled the churches. Lutheran congregations began to use hymns that had a wider emotional range. Music from string and wind instruments, along with a new instrument the majestic pipe organ touched hearts and reached toward heaven. And composers continued to write music that proclaimed the Gospel and helped nourish the faith of Christians. Congregations were now participating more in worship and composers enthusiastically embraced this new situation. The most acclaimed Michael Praetorius composed thousands of works. His compositions include in verse God's entire plan of salvation. Samuel Scheidt's works combined organ and chorale. Heinrich Schuetz wrote for multiple choirs and instruments. Their music along with that of other highly celebrated composers, helped churches to proclaim the Gospel and give glory to God. With new hymnals in hand, led by the choir and accompanied by the organ, congregations could now lift their voices in unison... "Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices, Who wonderous things hath done." Congregations could savor the old chorales and also could "sing the new songs". Composers like Johann Crueger and poets like Martin Opitz and Paul Gerhard provided expressive works for congregations in an era influenced by war, Pietism and Reformed practices.
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