German Hymnology [pp. 574-602]

German Hymnology.
lung alter und neuer evangelischer Kernlieder, mit beigefug ten, vierstimmig gesetzten, Choralmelodien. Von Kocher
und Knapp. Stuttgart. 1846. 12mo. pp. 746.
IN this formidable series of titles we have included none of
the common church collections: these are in number legionary.
Three of the books are edited by Dr. Wackernagel, who is
noted for his learning in all that relates to the archaeology of
the German language. The first contains all the extant
hymns of the sixteenth century; republished with scrupulous
collation of all accessible texts, and with an apparatus of
critical notes, which may well surprise those who know how
the corresponding department of English literature has been
allowed to languish; so that we have no single repository of
our early sacred poets. The second work is venerable indeed;
giving us not only the incorrupt text of all Luther's hymns,
but the very airs and harmonies which accompanied them
during the Reformer's lifetime. The edition of Gerhardt's
Hymns is complete and critical. Mr. Knapp's collection of
Count Zinzendorf's poetical works, including his numerous
improvisations, is as full as it is elegant, and is followed by a
life of the author. To the same lover of sacred song, we are
indebted for the fifth in our list; the' Evangelical HymnTreasury,' a work widely known in America; containing three
thousand fve hundred and ninety two hymns. The same
editor has part likewise in the last book named above, which
has both text and music, arranged in four parts for the organ
and piano-forte: the number of hymns is six hundred and
ninety five. To these works, we acknowledge our obligation
for a large part of what we shall now offer on the fruitful subject of German hymns. It is a topic too nearly connected
with the growth of piety in the soul and its spread among
mankind, to need a word of apology. These products of continental piety, in its brightest hours and heavenliest moods,
are infinitely remote from the latitudinary and neological
errors which are justly dreaded from German writings. Of
this we need offer no surer earnest, than by beginning our
sketch of German Hymnology, with the great Saxon reformer.
There is scarcely anything more familiar to the readers of
Luther's life than his love of music. He was himself a per
1850.]
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