Composer

:

Philipp Nicolai

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:55

Philipp Nicolai was a German Lutheran pastor and hymn writer who lived from 1556 to 1608. He is best known for his hymn "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" (Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying), which is still widely sung today. Nicolai also composed a Christmas cantata titled "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" (Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming) and a hymn based on the Ten Commandments titled "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How Brightly Shines the Morning Star). "There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth" is a Christmas hymn composed by Nicolai. The hymn is based on the prophecy in Numbers 24:17, which states, "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel." The hymn is typically sung during Advent and Christmas services. The hymn was first published in 1599 in Nicolai's collection of hymns titled "Freudenspiegel des ewigen Lebens" (Mirror of Joy of Eternal Life). The hymn has been translated into English several times, with the most popular translation being "There Shall a Star from Jacob Come" by Catherine Winkworth in 1858. "There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth" is typically performed in four movements. The first movement is a choral introduction that sets the tone for the hymn. The second movement is a solo or duet that sings the first verse of the hymn. The third movement is a choral section that sings the second verse of the hymn. The final movement is a choral section that repeats the first verse of the hymn, often with added harmonies and embellishments. The hymn is characterized by its joyful and triumphant melody, which reflects the prophecy of a coming savior. The lyrics of the hymn focus on the birth of Jesus and the hope that he brings to the world. The hymn is often performed with a full orchestra or organ accompaniment, which adds to its grandeur and majesty. Overall, "There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth" is a beloved Christmas hymn that has been sung for centuries. Its powerful melody and hopeful lyrics continue to inspire and uplift people around the world during the Christmas season.

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