ABSTRACT
Several studies have confirmed the truism that the Reformation could not have taken place if not for the easy availability of print. The triangular relationship between print, the Reformation, and music is less obvious. Beginning in 1524, there was an explosion of editions providing music for the Lutheran rite: liturgical books for the use of the clergy, monophonic hymn books for the use of the congregation, and books of polyphony for the choir. Lutheran and Roman Catholic controversialists alike used music to spread propaganda, as Rolf Wilhelm Brednich, Rebecca Wagner Oettinger and others have shown. The persistent imagery of saints and demons in the texts provides insight into the perceived cosmic consequences of Luther's rebellion. The demons sing that Luther is Satan's brother, who has fallen away from his vows and is now mired in lust and sin. Luther encouraged the simple folk to disdain the praise of God and obedience to authority.
