Johann Steurlein (Hymn-Writer)

Born: July 5, 1546 - Schmalkalden, Thuringia, Germany
Died: May 5, 1613 - Meiningen, Thuringia, Germany

Johann Steurlein was the son of Caspar Steuerlein, or Steurlein, the first Lutheran pastor of Schmalkalden. Steuerlein completed his study of law and c1580 was appointed town-clerk of Wasungen (between Schmalkalden and Meiningen).

In 1589 he became secretary in the chancery at Meiningen to the Henneberg administration. Then he was a notary public and c1604 was mayor at Meiningen. He was crowned as poet by the Emperor Rudolph II in recognition of his work of rhyming the Old and New Testaments in German.

Steurlein was the author of a metrical version of Ecclestasticus published at Frankfurt a. M. in 1581. He was an excellent musician and published various works containing melodies and four-part settings by himself.

Source: ELHHB Website [Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal]
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (August 2003)

Texts of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

BWV 288; BWV 289

Chorale Texts used in Bach’s Vocal Works

Das alte Jahr vergangen ist (verses 1-2: 1588)

Chorale Melodies used in Bach’s Vocal Works

Das alte Jahr vergangen ist (1588; Zahn 381a-b)

Links to other Sites

Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary Handbook - Biographies and Sources (ELHHB)

Bibliography