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From the introductory Jongleurs and Minnesingers The history of the vocal music of Germany is, in some respects, a peculiar one, and full of interest; for it extends back, almost in an unbroken line, for over six hundred years. The songs of Italy, at least so far as regards secular music, sprang into prominence in the great epoch which gave birth to the Italian opera, about the year 1600: the songs of France sprang up sporadically, with this or that revolution or war; but in no country have the ancient beginnings of vocal composition been so carefully garnered up as in Germany, and in no land have the old works so practical a significance. The reason of this is not far to seek. In the first place, the German in all times has been a singer, and his songs have always been interwoven in his daily life. Secondly, while in other countries the popular and classical schools of composition were kept separate and had nothing in common, in Germany, after the eleventh century, no such distinction was made, but the music which sprang from the people was used by the most learned composers, and the skilful works of the higher school were accepted and cherished by the people. So inherent was this instinct of popular song that the system of congregational hymns was flourishing in Germany even in the Catholic days preceding the Reformation....

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