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Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ. Nikolaus Selnecker* (1530/1532 –1592).
The first stanza of this evening hymn ('Abide with us, Lord Jesus Christ') appeared in a Nürnberg hymn book, Geistliche Psalmen, Hymnen Lieder und Gebett (1611). It is a translation of a verse from a Latin hymn by Philipp Melanchthon*, beginning 'Vespera jam venit'. The remainder of the hymn is by Selnecker. Stanza 2 is the second of two additional stanzas found in the Nürnberg 1611 book (see Wackernagel, Das Deutsche...
Ach bleib mit deiner Gnade. Josua Stegmann* (1588-1632).
The first known publication is in Stegmann's Suspiria Temporum (Third Edition, Rinteln, 1628). Each verse is a beautiful variation on the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the 1630 edition of ST it has the title 'closing hymn'. It is found in EG in the section 'Rechtfertigung und Zuversicht' ('Justification and Confidence') (EG 347). It has been translated into English on several occasions, most notably by Catherine...
Ach Gott vom Himmel sieh darein. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
Written probably in 1523, and one of four hymns by Luther published in Etlich christlich lider Lobgesang un[d] Psalm (the 'Achtliederbuch', Nuremberg/ Wittenberg, 1524). This is a free version of Psalm 12, entitled 'Salvum me fac' ('Help, Lord'). It had six 7-line stanzas. A further stanza, 'Eer [Ehr] sey Gott vatter alle zeyt', was added in Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524), but it is not thought to be by Luther. The...
Alle Menschen müssen sterben. Johann Georg Albinus* (1624-1679). This celebrated hymn (no longer in EG) was written for the funeral of a Leipzig merchant, Paul von Henssberg, 1 June 1652, and then became well known. It is said to have been a favourite hymn of Philipp Jakob Spener*. It was translated by Catherine Winkworth* in The Chorale Book for England (1863) as 'Hark! a voice saith, All are mortal'. She omitted verse 5, 'Da die Patriarchen wohnen' ('there the Patriarchs dwell'), which was...
Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Ehr. Nikolaus Decius* (ca. 1490-1541).
The first three stanzas were probably written in 1522-23, when Decius was a schoolmaster in Braunschweig. It was published in Joachim Slüter's Eyn gantz schone unde seer nutte gesangk boek (Rostock, 1525), with a fourth stanza by Slüter. It was in Low German (Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. pp. 565-6, beginning:
Aleyne Godt yn der hoege sy eere und danck vor syne gnade...
This is the first of two such texts, the...
Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ. Konrad Huber* (1507-1577).
This is found with other hymns by Huber in Ein New Auserlesen Gesangbüchlein (Strasbourg, 1545); but it was attributed by Wackernagel to Johannes Schnesing and printed at Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 176 (one of several versions, pp. 174-6). Wackernagel notes that this version of the text, entitled 'Ein Bettlied zu Christo unserem einigen Heiland' ('a prayer-hymn to Christ our only Saviour'), was credited to Huber (or 'C. Humbert') in...
Auf, auf, ihr Reichgenossen. Johann Rist* (1607-1667).
First published in Rist's Sabbahtische Seelenlust (Lüneburg, 1651). The book is arranged with hymns for the Sundays of the Christian year, and this one is set for the first Sunday in Advent ('Arise, arise...'). It had twelve 8-line stanzas, with the title 'Uber das Evangelium am Ersten Advents Sontage/ Welches beschrieben wird vom heiligen Evangelisten Mattheuss / in seinem Evangelien Buche am 21 Kappitel: Da Sie nun nahe bei Jerusalem...
Auf, auf, mein Herz, mit Freuden nimm wahr. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
This joyful Easter hymn was first published in Johann Crüger*'s Praxis Pietatis Melica (1648), with the title 'Auferstehungs-Gesang' ('Resurrection Hymn'). It had nine 8-line stanzas. The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and EG 112 both print an eight-stanza text, translated by John Kelly*, omitting stanza 3:
GerhardtJohn Kelly, 1867
Der Held steht auf dem Grabe Und sieht sich munter um, Der Feind liegt und legt abe Gift,...
Auf, ihr Christen, Christi Glieder. Justus Falckner* (1672-ca. 1723).
First published in August Hermann Francke (I)*'s Geistreiches Gesang Buch (1697) and then in Johann Anastasius Freylinghausen*'s Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch, den Kern alter und neuer Lieder (Halle, 1704). It was entitled 'Encouragement to Conflict in the Spiritual Warfare'. It was translated by Emma Frances Bevan* as 'Rise, ye children of Salvation' in Songs of Eternal Life (1858), where it was entitled 'Song of the Soldier'....
Aus tiefer Not laßt uns zu Gott. Michael Weisse* (ca. 1480-1534). Printed in Ein new Geseng buchlen (Jungbunzlau, Bohemia, 1531), in nine 7-line verses. It was the first of three hymns under the heading 'Geseng fur die gefallenen von der angenommenen gnad' ('A hymn for the fallen on the grace of adoption', Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 328-9). Although it begins in a similar manner to Luther*'s paraphrase of Psalm 130, this is not a psalm paraphrase (see Liederkunde zum EG, Volume...
Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
Written in 1523/24, and probably first printed in a broadsheet and sold in the streets. It was one of four hymns by Luther printed in Etlich christlich lider Lobgesang un[d] Psalm (the 'Achtliederbuch', Wittenberg, 1524). It had four verses in that printing, and also in Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524). A five-verse text, replacing the original verse 2 with two verses, 2 and 3, appeared in Geystliche gesangk...
Befiehl du deine Wege. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
First published in Johann Crüger* and Christoph Runge*, D.M. Luthers und andere vornehmen geistreichen und gelehrten Männer geistliche Lieder und Psalmen (Berlin, 1653) (the 'Crüger-Runge Gesangbuch') in twelve 8-line stanzas. It was entitled 'Der 37 Psalm (Vers 5)'.
It is based on that verse ('Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him'; cf. 'Gib dich zufrieden und sei stille'*). But this hymn is a remarkable acrostic on the verse as...
Bei dir, Jesu, will ich bleiben. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
From Spitta's Psalter und Harfe, First Series (Pirna, 1833), entitled 'Ich bleibe stets bei dir' ('I stay ever by thee'). It had six 8-line stanzas. It is found in EG in the 'Geborgen in Gottes Liebe' section, using all six stanzas (EG 406). It is based on Psalm 73: 23: 'Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand' and on John 15: 4: 'Abide in me, and I in you.' The reference to John 15...
Bevor die Sonne sinkt. Christa Weiß* (1925- ) based on Kurt Rommel* (1926-2011).
Rommel wrote a text beginning 'Bevor die Sonne sinkt' at a 'composition weekend' at Bad Cannstatt, Stuttgart, in 1963, and published it in the same year in Lieder von heute ('Songs of Today'). It was entitled 'Abendlied', and had four stanzas. This was set to two tunes, one by Friedrich Endorf, another by Martin Striebel and Kurt Schmid. The second of these was used by Christa Weiß, who had worked with Rommel on...
Brich an, du schönes Morgenlicht. Johann Rist* (1607-1667).
This Christmas or Epiphany hymn is in three stanzas in EG. It was first published in Johann Risten himlischer Lieder ('Das Erste Zehn', or First Part, Lüneburg, 1641), where it formed part of a longer hymn of twelve 8-line stanzas, 'Ermuntre dich mein schwacher Geist' ('Courage, my weak spirit'). It was entitled 'Lob-Gesang. Von der frewdenreichen Geburt und Menschwerdung unsers… Seylandes Jesu Christi' ('Song of praise, for the birth,...
Brunn alles Heils, dich ehren wir. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
From Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1745), where it was designated as a hymn for many different occasions, 'Morgens, Abends, bey Tisch, nach der Predigt, und zu aller Zeit gläubig zu bäten' ('in the mornings, evenings, at the meal table, after the sermon, and in order to pray faithfully at all times'). It was entitled 'Der Segen über Gottes Volck' ('the blessing of God's people'), and...
Christ ist erstanden. German, 11th or 12th century.
This is the German version of the Easter Sequence, 'Victimae Paschali'*. It is found in a 12th-century MS of a liturgical drama, but Leaver (The Hymnal 1982 Companion, 1994, 3A, p. 374) notes that the melody comes from the Latin sequence and speculates that it may have originated in the 11th century (but see the entry, 'Austrian hymnody*, where it is dated 1160, and located in a Salzburg Cathedral MS). In its original vernacular form, a...
Christ lag in Todesbanden. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
First published in Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524), and probably written in that year. It was entitled 'Der Lobesang Christ ist erstanden, Gebessert', and had seven 7-line stanzas. All seven are found in EG (EG 101), with the addition of 'Alleluja', as in some of the early texts (see Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, III. 12; Jenny, Luthers geistliche Lieder, no 12, pp. 195-6).
The reference to 'Christ ist erstanden'*...
Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This is one of the later hymns of Luther, dating probably from 1541. It is printed in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 25, from Geistliche Lieder (1544), although a Low German version had appeared in a Magdeburg Gesang Buch in 1542. It was entitled 'Ein Geistlich Lied, Von unser heiligen Tauffe, Darin sein kurtz gefasset, Was sie sey? Wer sie gestifftet habe? Was sie nütze? etc.' ('A hymn on our Holy Baptism, in which it is...
Christe, du bist der helle Tag. Erasmus Alber* (ca. 1500-1553).
This is a companion-piece to Alber's morning hymn for children, 'Steht auf, ihr lieben Kinderlein'*. It is a German version of the Latin hymn, 'Christe qui lux es et dies'*. It was first printed with the morning hymn, in Die Morgen geseng für die Kinder newlich zusamen gebracht. Auch dabey die abent unnd Vesper geseng (Nürnberg, ca. 1556) ('A morning hymn for children newly assembled together; and also a hymn for evening...
Christum wir sollen loben schon. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This hymn was first published in Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524) with the title 'Der Hymnus. A solis ortu'. It had eight 4-line stanzas. It is Luther's version of 'A solis ortus cardine'* by Sedulius* (cf. 'Was fürchtst du, Feind Herodes, sehr'*). It is found in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, III. 13, and in Jenny, Luthers geistliche Lieder, no. 16, pp. 210-12; it is not in EG.
JRW
Christus ist erstanden. Michael Weisse* (ca. 1480-1534).
First published in Ein new Geseng buchlen (Jungbunzlau, Bohemia, 1531). It had seven 4-line stanzas. It is based on an earlier German hymn for Easter, 'Christ ist erstanden,/ Von der Marter alle'*, which dates from the 12th century and existed in various forms (see Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied II. 43-4). That hymn was much loved by Luther*, who imitated it in 'Christ lag in Todesbanden'*. Weisse's version had seven 4-line stanzas...
Christus, der uns selig macht. Michael Weisse* (ca. 1480-1534).
Printed in Ein new Geseng buchlen (Jungbunzlau, Bohemia, 1531). It is Weisse's version of a Latin prayer, 'Patris sapientia,/veritas divina', ascribed to Aegidius of Colonna (1247-1316) (see Liederkunde zum EG, 8, p. 49). Weisse produced his translation in eight 8-line verses (see Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 259), all of which are retained, with slight alterations, in EG (EG 77). It is a hymn on the Passion, with a...
Das ist mir lieb, daß du mich horst. Heinrich Vogel* (1902-1989).
This is a paraphrase of verses from Psalm 116, published in Vogel's Psalmen (Munich, 1937), entitled 'Psalm 116'. It was included in Vogel's Gesammelte Werke (Suttgart, 1982) among the items 'aus dem dichterischen Tagebuch eines alten Theologen' ('from the poetic diary of an elderly theologian'). It is found in EG in the 'Psalmen und Lobgesänge' setion (EG 292). EG omits stanzas 5 and 6 of the original, corresponding to verses...
Das Jahr geht still zu Ende. Eleonore Reuss* (1835-1903).
Written in 1857-58, at the turn of the year, in commemoration of the early death of her close friend Marie Nathusius (1817-1857). It is based on Hebrews 11: 13-16: 'These all died in faith, not having received the promises, … they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth… But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly'. It is a hymn that is wonderfully suited to those who have lost loved ones: it acknowledges the tears that...
Das Kreuz ist aufgerichtet. Kurt Ihlenfeld* (1901-1972).
This was the product of two 'Kirchentags', one at Cologne in 1965, the other at Hannover in 1967. It was first published in an experimental book, Werkbuch Gottesdienst. Texte – Modelle –Bericht (Wuppertal, 1967), and then in Liederheft. Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag (Hannover, 1967). It was included by Dieter Trautwein* in Der Frieden ist unter uns. Neue Geistliche Lieder vom Evangelischen Kirchentag (Regensburg, 1967). It has echoes...
Das Volk, das noch im Finstern wandelt. Jan Willem Schulte Nordholt, translated by Jürgen Henkys* (1929-2015).
This was published in the collection, Steig in das Boot (Berlin, 1981), edited by Henkys. It is a translation of a Dutch hymn by Jan Willem Schulte Nordholt, 'Het volk dat in duisternis wandelt' ('The people that wandered in darkness'). It is based on Isaiah 9: 1-6. It has a strong resemblance to the Scottish paraphrase of the same chapter beginning 'The people that in darkness sat',...
Dein König kommt in niedern Hüllen. Friedrich Rückert* (1788-1866). This hymn was entitled 'Adventlied', and appeared in a collection, Gesammelte Gedichte von Friedrich Rückert (Erlangen, 1834). It had six 6-line stanzas, all of which are found in EG. It celebrates the coming of the Christ-child in lowly form ('niedern Hüllen'). He is a mighty Lord without an army ('ohne Heere', verse 2), whose kingdom is not of this world (verse 3), and who comes to bring light to the world (verse 6).
JRW
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Der du bist drei in Einigkeit. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This hymn to the Holy Trinity is Luther's version of 'O lux beata Trinitas'*. It is appropriately in three stanzas, although they are not divided into Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but rather praise the unity throughout. The hymn was probably written ca. 1543, and published in the 1544 'Klug' edition of the Wittenberg hymnal, Geistliche Lieder, where it was entitled 'Hymnus, O lux beata, verdeutscht'. It is thought to be Luther's last...
Der Mond ist aufgegangen. Matthias Claudius* (1740-1821). First published in a poetic annual, Musen Almanach oder Poetische Blumenlese für das Jahr 1779 (Hamburg, 1778, edited by Johann Heinrich Voß), and then in Part IV (1783) of Claudius's writings, Asmus omnia sua secum portans, oder samtliche Werke des Wandsbecker Bothen. It was called “Abendlied' (Evening Hymn'), and was a companion-piece or imitation of 'Nun ruhen alle Wälder'* by Paul Gerhardt*. It has an engaging child-like simplicity,...
Der Tag bricht an und zeiget sich. Michael Weisse* (ca. 1480- 1534).
This morning hymn was printed in Ein new Geseng buchlen (Jungbunzlau, Bohemia, 1531) in seven 4-line stanzas. It was one of the 'Geseng auf die tagezeiten' ('Hymns of the times of day'; Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 318). This was the second of three hymns: 'Es geht daher des Tages Schein'* was the first.
It is found in the 'Morgen' section of EG, in six stanzas (EG 438), omitting stanza 5:
GermanEditor's free...
Die beste Zeit im Jahr ist mein. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This four-stanza hymn is praise of music (EG 319) is found in the 'Loben und Danken' ('Praise and Thanks') section of EG. It is taken from Luther's poem, 'Frau Musica', printed in the foreword to Johann Walter*'s Lob und preis der löblichen Kunst Musica (Wittenberg, 1538), and later in the edition of Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, 1544). In some printings it is given the title 'Vorrede auf alle gute Gesangbücher. D.M.L. Frau [or Fraw]...
Die ganze Welt, Herr Jesu Christ. Friedrich Spee von Langenfeld* (1591-1635).
Probably written at Mainz in 1622, this is believed to have been published in a now-lost collection of Außerlesene Catholische Geistliche Kirchengesäng (1623), and is found in Catholische Kirchen Gesäng (Cologne, 1625), where it had the title 'Frewd der gantzen Welt' ('peace of the whole world'). It is an Easter hymn (EG 110, Gotteslob 219), which links the joy of the resurrection to the coming of spring, with the...
Die güldne Sonne voll Freud und Wonne. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
This vigorous morning hymn was first published in Johann Georg Ebeling*'s Pauli Gerhardti Geistliche Andachten (1666-67). It had twelve 10-line stanzas, all of which are found in EG. It is remarkable for its short lines and insistent rhyming. These suit the topic of the sun rising, full of joy and bliss; although the hymn, while celebrating God as creator of morning and evening, also recognises the transience of human life,...
Die Nacht ist kommen/ drin wir ruhen sollen. Petrus Herbert* (ca. 1530-1571).
From the Bohemian Brethren book in German, Kirchengeseng darinnen die Heubtartickel des Christlichen glaubens Kurtz gefasset und ausgelegt sind (Eibenschütz, 1566), in the section, 'Abendgesenge' ('evening songs'). It had five stanzas (Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied IV. 442-3); all are found in EG in the 'Abend' section. It is a very moving evening hymn, praying for safety and peace, and then for the sick,...
Dies ist der Tag, den Gott gemacht. Christian Fürchtegott Gellert* (1715-1769). First published in Gellert's Geistliche Oden und Lieder (Leipzig,1757), in 11 stanzas, with the title 'Weihnachtslied' ('Christmas hymn'). It is found in EG in the Christmas section, in nine verses (EG 42), omitting verses 5 and 8 of the original:
5. Dein König, Zion, kömmt zu dir.
“Ich komm, in Buche steht von mir;
Gott, deinen Willen tu ich gern.”
Gelobt sei, der da kömmt im Herrn!
8. Gedanke voller...
Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III.15, prints this in twelve stanzas, with the title 'Die zehen gebot Gottes, auff den thon, in gottes namen faren wir'. It was published in Eyn Enchiridion (Erfurt, 1524) and in Wittenberg in 1524 by Johann Walter* in Geystliche gesangk Buchlein, where it was the first hymn (Jenny, pp. 149-53). In 1533 it was number 11 in the Wittenberger Gemeindegesangbuch as 'Die Zehen gepot Gottes lange'...
Dies sind die heiligen zehn Gebot. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This hymn version of the Ten Commandments ('die zehn Gebot') was first published in Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524). To make it memorable for singing, Luther used a well known tune of the pre-Reformation pilgrims' hymn, 'In Gottes Namen fahren wir'* ('We travel in God's name'). Thus the title of the hymn in 1524 was 'Die zehen gebot Gottes, auff den thon, In gottes namen faren wir' (Wackernagel, Das Deutsche...
Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ. Jakob Ebert* (1549-1614).
This hymn is found in EG in three stanzas in the 'Schöpfung, Frieden, Gerechtigkeit' section (EG 422). As the first line, 'Thou Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ' suggests, it belongs in the 'Frieden' ('peace') part of this section. It is found in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 413, with the title 'Um Frieden zu bitten' ('To plead for peace'), one of only two hymns by Ebert in DDK. It was printed in Geistliche deutsche...
Du großer Schmerzensmann. Adam Thebesius* (1596-1652). This is a Passion-tide hymn ('Thou great man of sorrows') published in Passionale Melicum, Das ist: Außerlesene Geist- und Trostreiche Betrachtungen deß allerschmertzlichsten Leydens und Todes unsers Einigen Heylandes und Erlösers Jesu Christi ('Exceptional spiritual and comfort-full considerations of the all-sorrowful sufferings and death of our only Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ'), edited by Martin Janus (Görlitz, 1663). This hymn was...
Du hast uns, Herr, gerufen. Kurt Rommel* (1926-2011).
Written in 1967 at Schwenningen am Neckar (Villingen-Schwenningen), and first sung there. It was originally in two separate parts of three stanzas each (1-3, 4-6). It was published in a local collection for family worship at the Pauluskirche in 1968, and then in Gott schenkt Freiheit. Neue Lieder im Gottesdienst (Berlin, 1968) and 111 Kinderlieder zur Bibel. Neue Lieder für Schule, Kirche und Haus, edited by Gerd Watkinson (Freiburg im...
Du meine Seele, singe. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676). This paraphrase of Psalm 146, 'Praise the Lord, O my soul', was first published in Johann Crüger* and Christoph Runge*, D.M. Luthers und andere vornehmen geistreichen und gelehrten Männer geistliche Lieder und Psalmen (Berlin, 1653) (the 'Crüger-Runge Gesangbuch') in ten 8-line stanzas. It is found in EG in the 'Psalmen und Lobgesänge' section (EG 302), in an eight-stanza text, omitting stanzas 2 and 3:
GermanEditor's free translation
2....
Du Morgenstern, du Licht vom Licht. Johann Gottfried Herder* (1744-1803), altered by Richard Adelbert Lipsius (1830-1892).
Herder's hymn began 'Du aller Sterne Schöpfer, Licht'. It dates from before 1800, and is found in his Gesammelte Werke ('Collected Works'), ed. Bernhard Suphan, XXIX. 632), entitled 'Christus'. It first appeared, altered as above, in a hymn in a book designed to reform hymnody for the church in Saxony, Entwurf eines Gesangbuches für die Evangelische Landeskirche im...
Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott. Martin Luther* (1483-1546). The date of this metrical psalm is uncertain. The text is a commentary on Psalm 46 in Christological terms. The first printing given in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 20, is from Form und ordnung Gaystlicher Gesang und Psalmen (Augsburg, 1529), so it may date from that year, the year of the Diet of Speyer, in which the German princes made their formal 'protest', thus becoming 'Protestants'. Jenny, no 28, states that it is...
Ein Kindlein in der Wiegen. German traditional carol, 16th century or earlier. This carol is found in Geistliche Nachtigall der Catholischen Teutschen, the 1649 edition of the major Catholic collection, Groß Catolisch Gesangbuch, by David Gregor Corner*. From this text is taken the translation in The Oxford Book of Carols (1928) by Robert Graves (1895-1985) beginning 'He smiles within his cradle'. In OBC the provenance is given as 'Austrian, 1649'. But as The New Oxford Book of Carols points...
Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
Originally 'Ein Lammeln...', this was published in Johann Crüger's Praxis Pietatis Melica (1648), in ten 10-line stanzas. It is a most beautiful meditation on the Passion of Christ, based on John 1: 29 ('Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world') and on Isaiah 53: 1-7. It is a hymn which narrates the events of the Passion and gives thanks for Christ as 'der große Freund/ und Heiland meiner Seelen' ('great...
Ein neues Lied wir haben an. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This was Luther's first hymn, written in 1523. It was entitled 'Eyn new lied von den sween Merterern Christi, zu Brussel von den Sophisten zu Louen verbrant'. It had twelve stanzas (Wackernagel III. 3-4). It was first published in ten stanzas in Eyn Enchiridion (Erfurt, 1524); stanzas 9 and 10 were added in Geystliche gesangk Buchlein (Wittenberg, 1524). In stanza 2 the 'Merterern Christi' were named as Johannes [Esch] and Heinrich...
Eine Heerde und ein Hirt. Friedrich Adolf Krummacher* (1767-1845).
According to James Mearns* in JJ, p. 634, this is from the Third Edition of Das Christfest (1821). Das Christfest was the second Festbüchlein, the series of publications in which Krummacher interspersed narrative, reflections and hymns. It had six 6-line stanzas, each ending with the line 'Jesus hält, was Er verspricht' ('Jesus holds – or keeps – what he promised'). The 'Heerde' in line 1 is sometimes spelt 'Herde' ('flock')....
Einer ist's, an dem wir hangen. Albert Knapp* (1798-1864). This hymn is in five 11-line stanzas, in the 'Sammlung und Sendung' section of EG. It is dated there '(1822) 1824', which makes it one of Knapp's early hymns. At this time he wrote a confirmation hymn at the request of a friend, 'Eines wünsch ich mir vor allem andern', and he was writing mission hymns, of which this is one. It was printed in Knapp's Evangelischer Liederschatz für Kirche und Haus (Stuttgart, 1837). EG omits verse...
Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
Probably written in 1541, and printed on a broadsheet at Wittenberg in 1542. A Low German version appeared in a Magdeburg Gesang Buch (1542), and it was printed in Geistliche Lieder (Wittenberg, 1544). Originally it had three 4-line stanzas, but in 1543 the title added 'Mit zweien Gesetzen Vorbessert' ('with two laws improved'). Wackernagel prints this five-stanza text (Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. p. 27) with the note that 'the...
Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag. Nikolaus Herman* (ca. 1500-1561). This Easter hymn was first published in Herman's Die Sontags Evangelia uber des gantze Jar, in Gesenge verfasset, für die Kinder und christlichen Haussvetter (Wittenberg, 1560). It had fourteen 4-line stanzas, and was entitled 'Ein new Geistlich Lied, von der frölichen osterstehung unsers Heilands Jhesu Christi, für die Jungfrewlein in der Megdlein schul im Joachimsthal' ('A new Spiritual Song of the Joyful Resurrection of our...
Es geht daher des Tages Schein. Michael Weisse* (ca. 1480-1534).
This morning hymn was first printed in Ein new Geseng buchlein (Jungbunzlau, 1531). It is the first of three 'Geseng auf die tagezeiten' ('Hymns for times of day'; Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 318). This is the first of three hymns, of which 'Der Tag bricht an und zeiget sich'* was the second.
It had seven 4-line stanzas. It is found in EG in six stanzas (EG 439), with slight alterations, omitting stanza...
Es ist das Heil uns kommen her. Paul Speratus* (1484-1551).
First published in Etlich christlich lider Lobgesang un[d] Psalm (Wittenberg, 1524), the 'Achtliederbuch', with two other hymns by Speratus, who thus became Luther's earliest collaborator in the writing of hymns. This hymn had fourteen 7-line stanzas (Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III, pp. 31-2). It was entitled 'Ein lied vom gesetz und glauben, gewaltigklich mit götlicher schrifft verlegt. Doctoris Pauli Sperati' ('A hymn of...
Es ist ein' Ros entsprungen. German, probably 15th century
The editors of The New Oxford Book of Carols, to whom this entry is much indebted, place this folk carol as originating in the diocese of Trier in the 15th or early 16th century. They note that it appears in many forms: as a folk carol it was a simple text, subject to many accretions. In its extended form it was what they describe as 'a catch-all narrative of the Annunciation, Conception, Visitation, Birth, shepherds, and magi' (p....
Es ist gewißlich an der Zeit. Bartholomäus Ringwaldt* (ca. 1530/32- 1599).
First published in Ringwaldt's Handbüchlin: Geistliche Lieder und Gebetlein (Frankfurt-an-der-Oder, 1586). It is found in EG in the 'Ende des Kirchenjahres' section in all seven stanzas (EG 149). It is based on an anonymous German hymn from Zwey schöne Lieder (ca. 1565), entitled 'Von der zukunfft unsers Herrn Jhesu Christi' ('On the Second Coming…'; Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, IV. pp. 344-5). This hymn was...
Es kennt der Herr die Seinen. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe. Zweite Sammlung (Leipzig, 1843), in six 8-line stanzas. It was entitled 'Der Herr kennet die Seinen' ('The Lord knows his own', from 2 Timothy 2: 19). In EG it is included in full in the 'Rechtfertigung und Zuversicht' ('Justification and Confidence') section (EG 358), with the heading '1 Korinther 13,13', referring to the inclusion in stanza 5 of 'Glauben, Hoffnung, Liebe'...
Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen. Daniel Sudermann* (1550-ca. 1631), from an older Marienlied.
This hymn is found in Etliche Hohe geistliche Gesänge, Sampt anderen Geistreichen getichten (Strasbourg, 1626), but originated in a Marienlied ('song to the Virgin Mary') of the 14th century, perhaps by John Tauler*, though possibly earlier (see 'Marian hymns'*). It is given under Tauler in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied II. p. 303, on the basis of its heading in the 1626 book: 'Ein vraltes Gesang,...
Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676). This beautiful Christmas hymn, 'Joyfully should my heart be springing', was first published in Johann Crüger* and Christoph Runge*, D.M. Luthers und andere vornehmen geistreichen und gelehrten Männer geistliche Lieder und Psalmen (Berlin, 1653) (the 'Crüger-Runge Gesangbuch'), with a melody by Crüger. It had 15 verses. Twelve are printed in EG (EG 36), with the original tune, omitting verses 4, 5 and 13:
GerhardtJohn Kelly,...
Frühmorgens, da die Sonn aufgeht. Johann Heermann* (1585-1647).
First published in Heermann's Devoti Music Cordis (Leipzig and Breslau, 1630). It had nineteen 4-line stanzas, and was entitled 'Ostergesang, wie Christus auferstanden, und was wir dannenher für Lehr und Trost haben' ('Easter Hymn. How that Christ has arisen, and what we thence derive for instruction and consolation'). It is found in the Ostern (Easter) section of EG (111) in 15 verses, omitting stanzas 11 ('Der HERR den Tod zu...
Geh aus, mein Herz, und suche Freud. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
First published in Johann Crüger* and Christoph Runge*, D.M. Luthers und andere vornehmen geistreichen und gelehrten Männer geistliche Lieder und Psalmen (Berlin, 1653) (the 'Crüger-Runge Gesangbuch'). It had fifteen 6-line stanzas. As the second line ('in dieser lieben Sommerzeit') makes clear, it is a hymn celebrating the joys of spring/ summer and the gifts of God in flowers (daffodils and tulips), birds (larks, pigeons,...
Geist des Glaubens, Geist der Stärke. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859). This hymn for Pentecost was first published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, 1833). It was entitled 'Der Geist der Väter'. It had ten 8-line stanzas: it prays for the spirit that was found in a series of patriarchs and prophets, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, followed by the Apostles and Stephen. It is found in the 'Pfingsten' ('Whitsun') section of EG in nine stanzas (EG 137), omitting stanza 4,...
Gelobet sei der Herr, mein Gott, mein Licht, mein Leben. Johann Olearius* (1611-1684). From Olearius's Christliche Bet-Schule (Leipizig, 1665), entitled 'Die Ermunterung auß dem Evangelio zur danckbaren Betrachtung dieses hohen Geheimnisses' ('Encouragement from the Gospel to thankful meditation on this high mystery'). The 'high mystery' is the doctrine of the Holy Trinity: the hymn is founded on the Epistle for Trinity Sunday (Revelation 4: 1-11). It had five 8-line verses, all of which are in...
Gib dich zufrieden und sei stille. Paul Gerhardt* (1607-1676).
First published in Johann Georg Ebeling*'s Pauli Gerhardti Geistliche Andachten (1666-67), in fifteen 9-line stanzas, all of which are found in EG in the 'Angst und Vertrauen' ('anxiety and trust') section (EG 371). It was entitled 'Der 37 Psalm (Vers 7)', and the hymn's theme is from Psalm 37: 7, 'Rest in the Lord'. Every stanza ends 'Gib dich zufrieden!' ('be contented!'): the reader or singer is reminded that God hears the sighs...
Gott des Himmels und der Erden. Heinrich Albert* (1604-1651).
This celebrated and beautiful hymn ('God of heaven and earth') is found in the 'Morgen' section of EG in the full seven stanzas, dated 1642 (EG 445). The German text will be found alongside the fine translation by Catherine Winkworth*, 'God who madest earth and heaven'*. Winkworth noted that it was 'not infrequently played at early morning in some of the quiet little German country towns or baths' (p. 184). Both JJ and the Handbook...
Gott ist gegenwärtig. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
This hymn was published in Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein (1729), and then in the Gesang-Buch der Gemeine in Hernnhut (1735), in eight 10-line stanzas, with the title 'Erinnerung der herrlichen und lieblichen Gegenwart Gottes' ('Remembrance of the glorious and delightful presence of God'). The eight stanzas are still in use in EG in the 'Eingang und Ausgang' section for Sunday worship (EG 165).
It has been translated into English...
Gott Lob, der Sonntag kommt herbei. Johann Olearius* (1611-1684).
From the collection by Olearius, Geistliche Singe-Kunst Und ordentlich verfassetes vollständiges Gesang-Buch (Leipzig, 1671). As the first line makes clear, it is a hymn for Sunday, found in the 'Eingang und Ausgang' section of EG in four verses (EG 162). 'Praise God, Sunday has come, the day on which God made light, and brought us life by rising from the dead; so human beings may rejoice.' Every verse ends 'Halleluja'.
JRW
Gott rufet noch. Sollt ich nicht endlich hören. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
First published in Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1735), in eight 4-line stanzas, with the first phrase spelt 'Gott rüffet noch'. It was entitled 'Heute, weil ihr seine Stimme höret!' ('Today if ye will hear his voice').
It is found in EG in the 'Umkehr und Nachfolge', ('turning and following') section, at EG 392, with all eight stanzas, the first four beginning 'Gott rufet...
Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt. Heinrich Held* (1620-1659).
First published in Neu-erfundene Geistliche Wasserquelle (Frankfurt/Oder, 1658) edited by Johannes Niedling (1602-1668), with the title 'Von der Zukunfft Christi'. According to JJ, p. 507, it also appeared in an edition of Johann Crüger*'s Praxis Pietatis Melica dated 1659. It had nine 4-line stanzas, shortened to four (1-4) in the 'Advent' section of EG. The remaining stanzas (5-9) were as follows:
The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941Catherine...
Gottes Stadt steht festgegründet. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe. 8 Zweite Sammlung Christlicher Lieder (Leipzig, 1843) in six 12-line verses. It was the final poem in the book, fittingly entitled 'Gottes Stadt' ('The City of God').
It was translated by Richard Massie* as 'By the holy hills surrounded', printed in all six verses in 'Wesley's Hymns' (1876) and shortened to four verses in the Wesleyan Methodist Hymn Book (1904) and three...
Guter Hirt, du hast gestillt. Johann Wilhelm Meinhold* (1797-1851).
Written by Meinhold on the death of his 15 month-old son, Joannes Ladislaus, in 1833. It was published in his Gedichte ('Poems') in 1835. It was translated by Catherine Winkworth* in Lyra Germanica II (1858) as 'Gentle Shepherd, thou hast still'd'*, and headed 'The Death of a little Child'. It was included in the Appendix (1868) to the First Edition of A&M. In the days when infant mortality was common, it must have been a...
Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn. Elisabeth Cruciger (Creutziger)* (ca. 1500-1535).
This hymn is from Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbuchlein (Erfurt, 1524), and Johann Walter*'s Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn (Wittenberg, 1524), entitled 'Eyn Lobsangk von Christo'. In some later books it is 'Ein geistlich liedt von Christo, Elisabet Creutzigerin'. Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. pp. 46-7, gives four texts of this hymn. It had five 7-line stanzas, beginning:
Herr Christ, der einig Gotts...
Herr Jesu Christe, mein getreuer Hirte. Johann Heermann* (1585-1647). First published in Heermann's Devoti Musica Cordis (Breslau and Leipzig, 1630). It was entitled 'Vom heil. Abendmahl'. It had nine 8-line stanzas, with the note that 'Kyrieleison' should be sung after the fourth and the last line of each stanza. In EG, where it appears in the 'Abendmahl' (Holy Communion) section, this has been added, making 10-line stanzas. The four-stanza text at EG 217 omits stanzas 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9.
It...
Herr Jesu, deine Angst und Pein. Tobias Clausnitzer* (1619-1684). This hymn originated as 'Jesu, dein betrübtes Leiden', a hymn at the end of the first sermon in Clausnitzer's Passions-Blume (1662), where it was entitled 'Clausnicers Passions-Lied/ So zu jeder Betrachtung mit gesungen worden'. It began:
Jesu! Dein betrübtes Leiden!
Deine schwere Creuzes-Pein!
Solle mein ganzes Dencken seyn
Alle Welt-Land abzuschneiden;
Jesu! Deine bitter Noth!
Krancket mich biss auf den Tod.
It...
Herr, des Tages Mühen und Beschwerden. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859). First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, 1833) in four 8-line stanzas. It was entitled 'Am Abend' ('At Evening'). As the words 'Mühen und Beschwerden' ('trouble and complaint') indicate, it brings the day's problems before God in an evening hymn.
It was translated by Richard Massie* as 'O Lord, who by Thy presence hast made light/ The heat and burden of the toilsome day', found in 'Wesley's Hymns'...
Herr, du wollest uns bereiten. Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock* (1724-1803), altered by Albert Knapp* (1798-1864).
The first line, as given here, is that of Knapp's version used in EG, where it is found in the section for Holy Communion. Klopstock's text began 'Herr, du wollst sie vollbereiten'. Knapp's text is simpler ('Lord, you wish us to be ready') than Klopstock's ('Lord, do thou make us fully prepared').
Klopstock's original hymn is a long hymn to be sung during Holy Communion ('Beim...
Herr, mach uns stark im Mut, der dich bekennt. Anna Martina Gottschick* (1914-1995). Written at the suggestion of the composer Heinz Werner Zimmermann to fit the tune SINE NOMINE by Ralph Vaughan Williams*. It appeared in a CD of hymns for the period from Advent to Epiphany, Freude, die überflieβt. In EG, where it is dated 1972, it appeared in five stanzas in the 'Ende des Kirchenjahres' section, with an additional stanza by Jürgen Henkys* for the commemoration of believers, based on 'For all...
Herr, stärke mich, dein Leiden zu bedenken. Christian Fürchtegott Gellert* (1715-1769).
Published in Gellert's Geistliche Oden und Lieder (Leipzig, 1757) in 22 stanzas of four lines, with the title, 'Passionslied'. As the first line indicates, is a prayer at Passion-tide to be strengthened to think about the sufferings of Christ. It is found in EG in a shortened form of ten stanzas (EG 91), moving Gellert's stanza 20 ('Seh ich dein Kreuz den Klugen dieser Erden') to make stanza 5, and omitting...
Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn. Kaspar Stolzhagen* (1550-1594).
This joyful Easter hymn, filled with double 'Halleluja's, comes from Stolzhagen's Kinderspiegel, oder Hauszucht und Tischbüchlein. Wie die Eltern mit den Kindern vor und nach Essens Abendes und Morgens singen und beten sollen (Eisleben, 1591), a hymnbook for children and adults to use daily. In JJ, p. 1648, James Mearns* thought the hymn 'may possibly be' by Stolzhagen, but he is given as the author in EG (109).
It was entitled...
I would I were at last at home. Heinrich von Laufenburg* (ca. 1390- ca. 1460), translated by Catherine Winkworth* (1827-1878).
The German text, beginning 'Ich wollte, dass ich daheime wär', is found in the copy of the Strasbourg manuscript used by Wackernagel, dated 1429 (modern books date it 1430) and printed in Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, II. pp. 540. James Mearns* adds a typically learned reference to manuscript sources and to 19th-century printings of the German text (JJ, p. 507). ...
Ich bin getauft auf deinen Namen. Johann Jakob Rambach* (1693-1735). First published in Rambach's Erbauliches Hanbüch für Kinder (Giessen, 1734). It had seven 6-line verses, entitled 'Erneuerung des Taufbundes' ('Renewing of the Baptismal Covenant'). It is found in a six-verse text in EG (EG 200), omitting verse 6 of the original text:
Weich', weich', du Fürst der Finsternissen,
Ich bleibe mit dir unvermengt.
Hier ist zwar ein befleckt Gewissen,
Jedoch mit Jesu Blut besprengt.
Weich', eitle...
Ich gruße dich am Kreuzesstamm. Valentin Ernst Löscher* (1673-1749).
This was written in 1722, and published during Löscher's time as a Lutheran pastor in the High Church at Dresden, in an Appendix of 1728 to Das Privilegirte Ordentliche und Vermehrte Dreßnische Gesang-Buch (1722). It was headed 'Übung der Andacht, der Liebe, des Glaubens, der Hoffnung, und des Gehorsams unter dem Creutze Christi' ('The practice of devotion, love, belief, hope, and obedience at the foot of the Cross') . It...
Ich habe nun den Grund gefunden. Johann Andreas Rothe* (1688-1758).
First published in an early Moravian hymnbook edited by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf*, Christ-Catholisches Singe- und Bet-Büchlein (1727). It had ten 6-line verses. It was included in Das Gesang-Buch der Gemeine in Herrnhut (1735), the book which introduced John Wesley* to the German hymn tradition. From it he produced one of his finest translations, 'Now I have found the ground wherein'*.
Rothe's hymn is notable for...
Ich steh in meines Herren Hand. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, 1833), where it was entitled 'Zuversicht' ('Confidence'). It had five 8-line stanzas. It is a hymn which expresses very clearly the trust in God, whatever may happen ('Und wenn zerfällt/ Die ganze Welt,/ Wer sich an ihm, und wen er hält,/ Wird wohlbehalten bleiben'). All five stanzas are in EG in the 'Angst und Vertrauen' ('Anxiety and Confidence') section (EG 374).
JRW
Ich weiß, woran ich glaube. Ernst Moritz Arndt* (1769-1860).
From the appendix ('nebst geistlichen Liedern') of Arndt's Von dem Wort und dem Kirchenliede nebst geistlichen Liedern (Bonn, 1819), his proposal for a hymn book for the whole of Germany. It is found in five 8-line stanzas in the 'Rechtfertigung und Zuversicht' ('Righteousness and Confidence') section of EG (EG 357). It is a strong statement of trust in God who stands fast, who is the light of the world (verse 4); in its vision of...
In dulci iubilo. German/Latin, ca. 14th century.
There are many versions of this carol, which is an early example of a text in Latin and German. Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied II. 483-6, lists eight texts, ranging in date from the end of the 14th century (Leipzig, see below) to 1635. Most have four stanzas, but there are texts with five, six, or seven (the last from Munich).
Modern research on the hand-written texts by Gisela Kornrumpf (2000) found examples in parts of southern Germany...
In Gottes Namen fahren wir. German, 13th century and after.
This is the German pilgrims' hymn, probably dating from the time when pilgrimages became an important part of the religious life of the Middle Ages. For those who could travel, there were journeys to be made from all parts of Europe to Jerusalem, Rome, or Santiago de Compostella, and in England to Canterbury or Durham. 'The five hundred years from the early 11th to the early 16th century were the golden age of pilgrimage in Europe. It...
Ja, fürwahr! uns führt mit sanfter Hand. Friedrich Adolf Krummacher* (1767-1845).
According to James Mearns* in JJ, p. 634, this was first published in Krummacher's Festbüchlein, in the Third Edition, 1813, of the part entitled Der Sonntag (first published 1808). There were three Festbüchleinen: Der Sonntag (1808, 1810, 1813, 1819); Das Christfest (1810, 1814, 1821); and Das Neujahrsfest (1819). They consisted of conversations, historical observations, and stories: this hymn is sung by children...
Jauchzet, ihr Himmel. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769). From Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1731), where it was entitled 'Die Herzliche Barmherzigkeit Gottes, erschienen in der Geburt des Seylandes Jesu Christi' ('the great mercy of God, shown forth in the birth of the blessed Jesus Christ'). It had eight stanzas, beginning 'Jauchzet, ihr Himmel! Frolocket, ihr Englische Chören!' (angel choirs, not English choirs). It is found in EG in the Weihnachten...
Jesu, der du bist alleine. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
From Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1731), where it had eleven 6-line stanzas and was entitled 'Brüderliche Fürbitts-Seufzer' ('brotherly sighs of intercession'). It is found in EG in the 'Sammlung und Sendung' section (EG 252), with the omission of stanzas 5 and 9:
5. In der argen Welt sie rette, Und den Satan bald zertrete Gänzlich unter ihre Füß: Lödte, durch den Geist von innen,...
Jesus Christus herrscht als König. Philipp Friedrich Hiller* (1699-1769).
First published in Hiller's Die Reyhe der Vorbilder Jesu Christi (Stuttgart, 1757). Unlike the hymns in Hiller's Geistliches Liederkästlein, this was a long hymn of 26 stanzas, shortened to 11 (1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 18, 20, 25, 26) in EG, where it is found in the 'Himmelfahrt' ('Ascension') section (EG 123). Its original title was 'Lied von dem grossen Erlöser den 28. Aug. 1755. über Ephes. 1, 21, 22.' It is a hymn of...
Jesus lebt, mit ihm auch ich. Christian Fürchtegott Gellert* (1715-1769).
This is the better known of two Easter hymns, 'Osterlieder', in Gellert's Geistliche Oden und Lieder (Leipzig, 1757) (the other is 'Erinnre dich, mein Geist, erfreut'). This one is in six stanzas, each of which ends with 'Diese ist meine Zuversicht' ('This is my confidence'), with a final verse triumphantly addressing God: 'Herr, Herr, meine Zuversicht'. It rapidly became popular and has remained so: all six stanzas are...
Jesus nimmt die Sünder an. Erdmann Neumeister* (1671-1756).
First published in Neumeister's Evangelischer Nachklang (Hamburg, 1718) on the acceptance of sinners (Luke 15: 2) in eight 6-line stanzas. This has been widely used in Germany, and is still in EG in all eight verses (EG 353). There have been several translations into English: the best known is that by Emma Frances Bevan*, 'Sinners Jesus will receive'*. The original text repeats the first line at the end of each stanza, and at the...
Jesus soll die Losung sein. Benjamin Schmolck* (1672-1737).
First published in Schmolck's Mara und Manna, oder: Neue Sammlung von Creutz- Trost- Klag- und Freuden-Liedern (Breslau and Liegnitz, 1726). It had nine 6-line stanzas, and was entitled 'Jesus Name zum neuen Jahre' ('Jesu's Name for the New Year, 1725'). It is in EG in the 'Jahreswende' ('turn of the year') section, in five verses (EG 62). The omitted verses were 5 ('Unsers Kaysers Majestät'), 6 ('Jesus Name, Jesus Kraft'), 7 ('Jesus...
Kein Tierlein ist auf Erden. Clemens Brentano* (1788-1842).
Originally published in Brentano's fairy story 'Gockel und Hinkel' (1815/16), it was later revised as Gockel, Hinkel, Gackeleja (1838), where it had ten stanzas. It is found in EG at no. 509, in the 'Natur und Jahreszeiten' section, set to a tune by Richard Rudolf Klein dated 1962. The story, which takes place in the mouse kingdom, concerns a princess who acquires a special ring that requires her to go on a quest. Before setting out,...
Komm, Herr, segne uns. Dieter Trautwein* (1928-2002). Trautwein was actively involved in the 'Kirchentag' movement in Germany, and the words and music of this hymn were written in 1978 and used at a Kirchentag festival at Nürnberg in 1979 (published the same year in Lieder zum Kirchentag. Liederheft zum 18. Deutschen Evangelischen Kirchentag). It was included in a 1984 supplement to the Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch of 1950. It is found in EG in the 'Eingang und Ausgang' section (EG 170)....
Kommt her, ihr seid geladen. Ernst Moritz Arndt* (1769-1860).
This hymn for Holy Communion was printed in the addenda ('nebst geistlichen Liedern') to Arndt's Von dem Wort und dem Kirchenliede nebst geistlichen Liedern (Bonn, 1829). It opens the 'Abendmahl' ('Holy Communion') section of EG (EG 213), where it has six 8-line verses. Its message ('Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden…') is characteristic of Arndt's work in its reaction against the rationalism of the 18th century.
JRW
Kommt, Kinder, lasst uns gehen. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
First published in Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1738) in 19 stanzas (8-line). It was entitled 'Ermunterungs-Lied für die Pilger' ('a hymn of encouragement for pilgrims'). Of the 19 stanzas, 11 are printed at EG 393, omitting verses 3 ('Der Ausgang der geschehen'), 7 ('Laßt uns nicht viel besehen'), 8 ('Ist gleich der Weg was enge'), 9 ('Was wir hier hör'n und sehen'), 10 ('Wir wandeln...
Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier,/ deinem Worte nachzuleben. Benjamin Schmolck* (1672-1737). First published in Schmolck's Heilige Flammen der himmlisch-gesinnter Seele (1704), in seven 6-line stanzas. It was entitled 'Gute Gedanken der Paten, welche mit einem Kinde zur Tauffe reisen' ('Good Reflections of the Godparents, who are on their way to Baptism with the child'). It is found in EG in the 'Taufe und Konfirmation' ('Baptism and Confirmation') section (EG 206). The omitted verses were 4 ('Wach...
Mein erst Gefühl sei Preis und Dank. Christian Fürchtegott Gellert* (1715-1769). From Gellert's Geistliche Oden und Lieder (Leipzig, 1757), where it had 12 stanzas. It is shortened in EG (451) to 10, omitting verses 3 and 4, which address God: ('Who watches over me?… Who strengthens me, and protects me from dangers?… Who teaches the eyes their duty?… Who calls the day to awaken the soul?'):
Wer wacht, wenn ich von mir nichts weiß
Mein Leben zu bewahren?
Wer stärkt mein Blut in seinem...
Mensch, wiltu leben seliglich. Martin Luther* (1483-1546).
This hymn is a short hymn on the Ten Commandments ('Die zehen gebot auffs kürßte', Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied, III. 17). It was first printed in Johann Walter*'s Geystliche gesangk Buchlein (Wittenberg, 1524). Jenny (p. 329) notes it as 'Die Zehen gepot kurtz' at number 12 in Das Wittenberger Gemeindegesangbuch (1533). It had five stanzas, with 'Kyrioleis' after each stanza. In the title 'kürßte' was used to distinguish it...
Mir ist Erbarmung widerfahren. Philipp Friedrich Hiller* (1699-1769).
Based on 1 Timothy 1: 13, 'Mir ist Barmherzigkeit widerfahren' ('to me has mercy happened again'), this had five stanzas, prefaced by the quotation: 'Ein Unbekehrter ist in seinem Sinn viel zu hochmüthig, daß er das sagen sollte von Herzen; aber ein Bekehrter spricht vor Gott und Menschen davon' ('An unconverted person is much too proud in mind, but a converted one speaks before God and not from people'). In Hiller's...
Monarche aller Ding. Johann Anastasius Freylinghausen* (1670-1739).
First published in Freylinghausen's Neues Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch (Halle, 1714). It had eleven 6-line stanzas. It was described by James Mearns* in JJ as 'a fine hymn of Praise, on the majesty and love of God' (p. 396). Its stanzas began as follows (with John Wesley*'s translation in parenthesis. He omitted stanzas 3, 4, and 8):
Monarche aller Ding ('Monarch of all, with lowly fear')
Du bist die Majestät ('Before thy Face,...
Nun jauchzet, all ihr Frommen. Michael Schirmer* (1606-1673).
Published by Johann Crüger*, Schirmer's colleague at the Greyfriars Cloister and Gymnasium, Berlin, in his Newes vollkömliches Gesangbuch/ Augspurgischer Confession (Berlin, 1640). It was in the Advent section, where it was entitled 'Ein ander schön Adventliedlein. M. Michael Schirmers'. The 'ander' refers to 'Macht hoch die Tür, die Tor macht weit'*, with which it is presumably to be compared and contrasted.
It is found in the...
Nun schläfet man. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769). First published in Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein. Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1745 edition), entitled 'Andacht bey nächtlichem Wachen' ('Devotion for the night watch'). Its three verses (as in the 'Abend' (evening) section of EG (EG 480)) are a moving prayer to the God who watches and never sleeps ('du schläfst, mein Wächter, nie'). In 1745 the melody (from the 17th century, according to EG) was entitled 'Sie schläffet schon'.
JRW
Nun sich der Tag geendet hat. Gerhard Tersteegen* (1697-1769).
First published in Tersteegen's Geistliches Blumen-Gärtlein, Drittes Büchlein (Book III) (1745 edition) as a hymn suitable (with alternative words) for morning or evening worship. It was entitled 'Morgens oder Abends Opffer' ('Morning or evening sacrifice'): it began 'Wann sich die Sonn erhebet'. It is used as an evening hymn in the 'Abend' section of EG (EG 478). The text is taken from stanza 6 onwards, which begins 'Nun sich der...
O du fröhliche. Johannes Daniel Falk* (1768-1826).
This is dated 1816 in Falk's Auserlesene Werke, Alt und neu (Leipzig, 1819), Book I, where it had the title 'Allerdreifeiertagslied' ('Hymn for all three festival days'), and the tune designated as 'Melodie: O sanctissima'. The three festival days were Christmas, Easter, and Whitsun:
O du fröliche, O thou blessed, O du seelige, O...
O Gott, du Tiefe sonder Grund. Ernst Lange* (1650-1727).
First published in Johann Anastasius Freylinghausen*'s Neues Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch (Halle, 1714). It is a huge hymn of ten 14-line stanzas (the text may be found in John Nuelsen, John Wesley und das deutsche Kirchenlied, 1938, translated as John Wesley and the German Hymn, Calverley, Yorkshire, 1972). It is not found in EG, but it is annotated here because it was the German text for one of John Wesley*'s earliest and greatest...
O Heilger Geist, kehr bei uns ein. Michael Schirmer* (1606-1673).
Published by Johann Crüger*, Schirmer's colleague at the Greyfriars Cloister and Gymnasium at Berlin, in Newes vollkömliches Gesangbuch/ Augspurgischer Confession (Berlin, 1640). It was in the Whitsun-tide section, where it was entitled 'Ein ander PfingstLiedlein M. Mich. Schirmers' ('another short Whitsun-tide hymn by Michael Schirmer'). It is found in EG in seven 7-line stanzas, with line 4 as an effective pause with (in most...
O Jesus Christus, wachs' in mir. Johann Kaspar Lavater* (1741-1801).
From Lavater's Christliche Lieder…Zweytes Hundert (1780), with the date 'Am Neujahrstage 1780'. It was prefaced with the words 'Christus muß wachsen; ich aber muß abnehmen' ('Christ must increase; but I must decrease'), from John 3: 30. It is found in Part II of Lavater's Zweihundert Christliche Lieder (Zürich, 1844), at no. 86 (the book is not indexed). It had ten 4-line stanzas. It is well known in British and American books...
O komm, du Geist der Wahrheit. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859). First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, 1833) with the title 'Pfingsten' ('Whitsun'), in seven 8-line stanzas. It is found in EG in the full seven stanzas (EG 136). The first line indicates the hymn's message of the 'spirit of truth' ('Geist der Wahrheit').
JRW
O selig Haus, wo man dich aufgenommen. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, 1833) in five 8-line stanzas, with the title 'Diesem Hause ist Heil widerfahren' ('Salvation is come again to this house', from Luke 19:9). It had five 8-line stanzas. Its celebration of the Christian home is echoed in another hymn from the same book, 'Ich und mein Haus, wir wollen dem Herrn dienen' ('I and my house, we will serve the Lord').
The hymn has been...
O wie freun wir uns der Stunde. Karl Johann Philipp Spitta* (1801-1859).
First published in Spitta's Psalter und Harfe. Zweite Sammlung (Leipzig, 1843) in six 8-line stanzas. It was entitled 'Du hast Worte des ewigen Lebens' ('Thou hast the words of eternal life', from John 6: 68). It is delightfully simple in places, as in verse 1b:
Lass uns heute nicht vergebens Hörer eines Wortes sein, Schreibe selbst das Wort des Lebens Tief in uns're Herzen ein.
Let us not neglect today Hearers of...
So nimm denn meine Hände. Julie Hausmann* (1826-1901).
First published by Gustav Knak* in a collection devoted to 'silence' and 'quietness' ('die Stille'), Maiblumen. Lieder der Stillen im Lande (Berlin, 1862). It is a very beautiful and simple hymn of trust in good times and bad ('in Freud und Schmerz', stanza 2) and asks to be led through the night ('auch durch die Nacht', verse 3) through life and into eternity. It became very popular and has rightly remained so; it is found in EG in the...
Stille Nacht! heilige Nacht! Joseph Mohr* (1792-1848).
The words of this carol were written in 1816 by Joseph Mohr, and set to music in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber*, organist of Arnsdorf. It was first sung on Christmas Eve 1818 in the nearby church at Oberndorf (where Mohr was assistant) to a guitar accompaniment (according to tradition because the organ had broken down).
It became popular as a 'folk carol' in the Tirol in the 1820s. In 1827, the Renner family, a group of folksingers, toured the...
Uns wird erzählt von Jesus Christ. Kurt Rommel* (1926-2011)
Written in 1967, and first sung at a Family Service at Schwenningen am Neckar (Villingen-Schwenningen), where Rommel was pastor. It was published in 111 Kinderlieder zur Bibel. Neue Lieder für Schule, Kirche und Haus, edited by Gerd Watkinson (Freiburg in Breisgau, 1968) with the title 'Weihnachtslied' ('Christmas Song'). Each stanza begins with the same line repeated, 'Uns wird erzählt von Jesus Christ' ('The story of Jesus will be...
Was mein Gott will, gescheh allzeit. Albrecht*, Count (Markgraf) of Brandenburg-Ansbach, Duke of Prussia (1490-1568). ('Whatever God wills, let that happen always').
It is found in EG in the 'Angst und Vertrauen' section (EG 364). It was written in 1547 after the death of his first wife, Princess Dorothea of Denmark. It is found in Wackernagel, Das Deutsche Kirchenlied III. 1070-1, unattributed: Wackernagel prints two texts, one from Fünff Schöne Geistliche Lieder (Dresden, 1556), the other...
Weil Gott in tiefster Nacht erschienen. Dieter Trautwein* (1928-2002).
Words and music of this modern Christmas hymn were written by Trautwein in 1963 for an ecumenical service in the Katharinenkirche at Frankfurt-am-Main, in which the Evangelical Church joined with the Greek Orthodox congregation. It was published in Gott schenckt Freiheit (Frankfurt/Main, 1964) and again in Trautwein's Neue Lieder aus drei Jahrzehnten (Munich, 1992). It is found in EG in the 'Weihnachten' (Christmas) section....
Wir glauben all' an einen Gott. Tobias Clausnitzer* (1619-1684).
According to James Mearns*, this hymn for Trinity Sunday first appeared in a Gesang-Buch published at Culmbach-Bayreuth in 1668, where it had the initials 'C.A.D.' (JJ, p. 238). It appeared with Clausnitzer's name in a Nürnberg Gesang-Buch (1676) in three stanzas, corresponding to the three persons of the Holy Trinity:
Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, We all believe in One true God, Vater, Sohn, heiligen...
Wir sagen euch an den lieben Advent. Maria Ferschl* (1895-1982).
This children's hymn is based on the four Sundays in Advent. Each stanza has a description of the candle-lighting ceremony in Advent worship: 'Sehet die erste…zweite…dritte…vierte Kerze brennt!' Each stanza has an allusion to a text: St. 1 to Matthew 3: 3, 'Machet dem Herrn den Weg bereit'; St 2 to Romans 15: 7, 'So nehmet euch eins um das andere an,/ wie auch der Herr an uns getan'; St 3 to John 1: 5, 'Nun tragt eurer Güte hellen...
Zeuch an die Macht, du Arm des Herrn. Friedrich Oser* (1820-1891).
First published in an enlarged edition of Oser's Sechzig Kreuz- und Trostlieder mit einem Anhang von Liedern auf des Kindes Tod. Weihnachtsgabe für die Trauernden in der Vaterstadt (Wiesbaden, 1865). It is found in the Swiss Gesangbuch der Evangelisch-Reformierten Kirchen der Deutschsprachigen Schweiz in the 'Dank-, Buß- und Bettag' section. In EG it is found in the 'Angst und Vertrauen' section (EG 377), with the first line as...