“A Mighty Fortress:” Recording, Sheet Music and History
“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” one of the most popular hymns to Protestants since the mid 16th century, is often performed on the organ in worship services and recitals. Below you will see John Cavicchio’s arrangement of this powerful hymn, as well as a link to the sheet music of his arrangement. You will also find information regarding the history of A Mighty Fortress.
“A Mighty Fortress” Organ Recording By John Cavicchio
Recording Venue: First Presbyterian Church, Freehold, NJ
Recorded By: Retromedia Sound Studios
Organ Sheet Music For “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
If you would like to download the sheet music for this organ arrangement, please use this link to visit Sheet Music Plus:
The History of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”
Who Wrote “A Mighty Fortress”?
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” or "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott'' in the original German, was written by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther around his 45th birthday. He wrote both the lyrics and the tune.
It was around this time that Luther invested his time in writing two catechisms outlining his faith, organizing a new form of worship service, and reconciling his belief that congregations should have the power to choose a minister with the reality that some form of standardized format or ministerial selection process must occur.
When Was “A Mighty Fortress Written”?
According to the work of scholar John Julian, “A Mighty Fortress” was written between 1527-1529.
Since then, the tune has been quoted and arranged by numerous composers, including Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bach, Debussy, Mayerbeer, and many others.
Contact John Cavicchio For Piano or Organ Lessons
If you would like to take Philadelphia organ lessons with John Cavicchio, or if you are looking for an organ teacher in NYC, please get in touch. He helps pianists double on organ, helps train aspiring church music directors, or teaches folks who have never played a musical instrument before. He also offers piano lessons, and interested students may take a free trial lesson.