For Martin Luther, the value of music was second only to that of theology. He recognised the immense power of music: for him, it was both a sublime medium for worship and a powerful propaganda tool.

However, the inspiration demonstrated by Lutheran composers in the 16th and 17th centuries might have exceeded even Luther's expectations. A sense of communicative urgency unites all the composers represented on this CD, from Luther's associate Johann Walter to the late-17th-century masters Dietrich Buxtehude and his pupil Nicolaus Bruhns.

The rise in vocal and instrumental virtuosity in this period, alongside a strong development of expressive power, makes it a treasure trove for music lovers. Nowhere is this more evident than in Lutheran music for Lent, Passiontide and Easter.

The centrality of Christ's crucifixion to Luther's theology is palpable in this music, which takes the listener from the depths of despair to passionate joy.