Composer

:

Philipp Nicolai

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:55

'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern' is a hymn composed by Philipp Nicolai in the early 17th century. 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 since become a popular Christmas carol and is often sung during the Advent season. The hymn consists of three stanzas and is written in the German language. The first stanza begins with the line "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How beautifully shines the morning star) and praises Jesus Christ as the light of the world. The second stanza focuses on the Nativity story and describes the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The third stanza is a prayer for salvation and eternal life. The hymn is typically sung to the tune of 'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern', which was composed by Nicolai himself. The tune is characterized by its simple melody and joyful tone, which reflects the hymn's message of hope and salvation. 'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern' has been arranged and performed by many composers and musicians over the years. One notable arrangement is by Johann Sebastian Bach, who included the hymn in his cantata BWV 1, which premiered in 1725. Bach's arrangement features a complex orchestration and includes a chorale prelude based on the hymn tune. Overall, 'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern' is a beloved hymn that has been cherished by Christians for centuries. Its message of hope and salvation, combined with its joyful melody, make it a fitting addition to any Advent or Christmas celebration.

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