Composer

:

Martin Luther

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1524

"Mitten wir im Leben sind" is a hymn composed by Martin Luther in 1524. It is also known as "In the Midst of Life We Are" in English. The hymn is based on the Latin antiphon "Media vita in morte sumus" which translates to "In the midst of life we are in death". The hymn was first published in the Erfurt Enchiridion, a hymnal compiled by Luther and published in 1524. It was later included in the German hymnal, Evangelisches Gesangbuch, and has become a popular hymn in Protestant churches. The hymn consists of three stanzas and is written in the form of a prayer. The first stanza reflects on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The second stanza asks for God's mercy and forgiveness, and the third stanza expresses hope in the resurrection and eternal life. The hymn is typically sung in a slow and solemn tempo, with a simple melody that emphasizes the text. The harmonies are often somber, reflecting the hymn's theme of mortality. Overall, "Mitten wir im Leben sind" is a powerful expression of human mortality and the need for God's mercy and grace. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and simple beauty.

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