Where did many early Lutheran chorale texts and melodies come from?

Early Lutheran chorale texts and melodies were derived from several key sources as the Reformation sought to reestablish congregational singing in the liturgy.12

• Texts: Many chorale texts were created by translating Latin hymn texts into the vernacular language. Additionally, the structure and style of secular lyrics significantly influenced the hymn texts written by Martin Luther and his contemporaries.12
• Melodies: The melodies often drew upon a variety of existing musical traditions, including plainsong, vernacular devotional songs, and secular songs. Because these tunes were frequently borrowed from secular sources, they were characterized by great melodic and structural simplicity.12

While some melodies were newly composed, this practice of adapting existing music allowed for increased popular participation in worship, which was a central goal of Lutheran hymnody.32