Johann Crüger

Johann Crüger ( sorb. January Krygar, born April 9, 1598 Great Breesen at Guben, † February 23, 1662 in Berlin) was a composer sorbischstämmiger known hymns.

Life

Johann Crüger was the son of an innkeeper. Until 1613 he attended the Latin school in Guben. In his subsequent wanderings over Sorau and Breslau he came to Regensburg, where he received a musical education in Paul Homberger. On the other hike he came 1615 to Berlin, where Crüger at Berlinischen high school prepared for the horror monastery to study theology. From 1620 he studied theology at the University of Wittenberg and formed self-teaching musically. From 1622 until his death he was 40 years teacher at the high school to horror monastery and at the same time cantor of the St. Nicolai church in Berlin.

One of his daughters married the court painter Michael Conrad Hirt, who also portrayed him.

Work

Johann Crüger is the creator of numerous concert works and music education journals. In 1643, he met the famous poet Paul Gerhardt hymns know, for he set several hymns. In 1640 he published the collection of songs Newes out vollkömliches hymnal. From the second edition from 1647 it was published under the title practice Pietatis Melica (exercise of piety in songs ), which was the most important church songbook of the 17th century. In another song collection with 161 songs, including 15 of Crüger, three poems set to music of his compatriot Johann Franck are included.

In the current Evangelical Hymns are found, depending on the regional edition, at least 18 of his melodies and choruses, including How shall I receive thee, Praise the Lord all those who honor him, Up to jump my heart and Deck thyself, O dear soul.