Christmas and the meaning of church music

Church music has always played an important role around Christmas. Performances of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah and other works are all very popular. Hymnologist Jan Luth studies how church music touches the listeners, and what role it plays. That is partly related to nostalgia, but also to a feeling of unity in these individualistic times. The brilliant compositions are of course also important. They can even give atheists a near-religious or spiritual experience.

Jan Luth retired from the UG in November. Luth was linked to the Institute for Christian Cultural Heritage (ICCE) at the UG, which focuses on studying, understanding and making use of the cultural legacy of Christianity in our own time.

More information

• Institute for Christian Cultural Heritage (ICCE)

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