New England Conservatory of Music - Neume Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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In Praise of Musk (Frau Musica) I Of all delights under heaven, By none is such pleasure given As that I give ivith my singing And with sounds of music ringing No evil thing can ever be Where good friends join in melody; There hides no tvrath, strife, grudge, or hate; Music softens the hardest fate; Greed, care, and all that brings distress Take flight with ev ' ry bitterness. II And one and all to sing are free, Since in this joy no sin can be; Rather does God joy in it mos t. Of all the pleasures earth can boast. It casts out Satan neck and crop, And the murd ' rer ' s hand it can stop. Ill Witness David, that kingly soul, Who o ' er Saul oft obtained control With music sweet of harp and song. Lest he commit some dreadful wrong. For God ' s holy law and true word By joyful heart are clearly heard. So once wise Elisha required To he by sound of harp inspired. IV Of all the seasons best is spring; Then little birds begin to sing. Heaven and earth are filled tvith cheer And goodly song is ringing clear. And most the lovely nightingale Makes music everytvhere prevail Thro ' out the night tvith song so free; To her we all must grateful be, Or rather we the Lord must hail. For he hath made the nightingale. The first of all the singing throng. And mistress of the art of song. To Him both night and day she sings. Untiring praise to Him she brings. To Him I too lift up my song To whom thanks evermore shall belong. Martin Luther