The various tunes represent the social order of the community as well as theology.

There is a tune for each “choir”, i.e., married men, married women, single men/women, children, widows, etc. Choirs were groups of like individuals who bonded in fellowship to enrich their lives and enhance their spiritual journeys.

In the modern Moravian Church, choirs have evolved into Women’s Fellowship, Youth Fellowship, and various service groups, etc.

The chorales are suitable for choir and/or congregational singing, or used simply as instrumental music.
See also, Moravian Band Chorale Books, which contain all Moravian funeral chorales, arr. for band instruments.