Ernst Lange (hymn poet)

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Ernst Lange (born January 3, 1650 in Danzig ; † August 20, 1727 there ) was a German hymn poet .

Life

Ernst Lange, Matthias' son, attended a high school in Danzig . He then became a secretary in Danzig. In this office he was appointed to the Polish court in Warsaw . In 1691 he went back to Danzig, where he became an honorary judge , but three years later a councilor . In 1696 he married a daughter of the astronomer Johannes Hevelius .

In 1698 Lange traveled to the Netherlands . On his return he turned to Mennonites and Pietists in Danzig . This gave rise to quarrels with Lutheran clergy and went so far that arguments took place in the city.

Lange wrote poetry in his early years, but published late. He died in 1727 at the age of 77.

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In 1708 Lange published his work Ueberarbeitungen der Luthers , in which he attempted to revise Luther's songs. In 1711 he finally published 61 of his own hymns; the number resulted from his age at the time. He published the psalms in verse in 1713, taking melodies from Reformed France. In 1720 he revised the work in such a way that it used Lutheran melodies.

Further songs by Lange were published in Johann Anastasius Freylinghausen's Geistreichem Gesangbuch , part two, 1714. It was suspected that Freylinghausen had received the songs in handwritten form.

The poet Albert Knapp expressed about Lange on the basis of his works that he was a noble, profound man full of spirit and strength . Bode, on the other hand, says in his reference to the songs of the Hanoverian hymn book , Langes Dichtungen, his thoughts and expression are not of outstanding importance .

Regardless of the contradicting judgments, Lange's songs were widespread and could still be found in hymn books at the end of the 19th century. The best-known song is Among the great goods that Christ has given us , which is also known under the titles Among those / all great goods .

Works

  • The Psalms of David, translated into Reformed melodies, and dedicated to the Queen of Prussia
  • Attempt to poetically enhanced singing devotion, in which Lutheri songs in particular are believed to be somewhat more pure verse (Danzig 1708)
  • One and sixty holy hours, in so many songs (Danzig 1711)
  • The CL, translated into German songs on Lutheran melodies. Psalms, for the glory of God and due devotion for revival (Danzig 1720)

The following songs by Lange appeared in the Wernigerode hymn book :

  • It is not a pleasure to sing at times
  • People are looking for science
  • You god of light, before the light of day
  • God is true love
  • Lord Jesus Christ, follow us
  • My sigh breaks forth
  • Be glad you immaculate senses
  • Among the great goods which Christ gives us
  • Perfection you head of gifts

literature

personal data
SURNAME Long, Ernst
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German hymn poet
DATE OF BIRTH January 3, 1650
PLACE OF BIRTH Danzig
DATE OF DEATH August 20, 1727
Place of death Danzig