This volume examines the practice and theological fundaments of church music between 1530 and 1750. It shows why this epoch is considered to be the golden age of church music. Song, prayer and music function as genuine components of the Christian church service. Intensive theological discussions, describing the effect of music on the individual listener and the congregation as a whole, accompanied the musical works. Playing music in church and at school formed a broad basis for practical life from childhood onwards. The interdisciplinary essays examine the changing justifications for the cultivation of church music; they trace (church) music in practice and describe the change towards the end of this epoch that led to a new understanding of hymns and organ music.