Swiss hymnody

German-speaking Switzerland Reformation In German-speaking parts of Switzerland at the time of the Reformation, the most common form of Sunday service was the south German preaching service. At first this involved no music or hymn-singing whatever; then, following the example of Strasbourg and the community hymn singing of the south German towns, psalm-singing was introduced. In some places this happened quickly; in others more slowly. Schools often led the way with psalm-singing, and schoolchildren led the music in church. Under the guidance of Johann Oecolampadius (1482-1531), the first psalms were sung at Basel in 1526 (collected and used in Strasbourg and Constance until 1581). At St...

If you have a valid subscription to Dictionary of Hymnology, please log in to view this content. If you require a subscription, please click here.

Cite this article