Die Sterbe- und Ewigkeitslieder in deutschen lutherischen Gesangbüchern des 17. Jahrhunderts

Lukas Lorbeer has collected several hundred hymn texts from Early Modern times and traced their propagation as well as analysing their use in the historical context. Singing in the face of death was an integral part of Lutheran piety from the very beginning. Especially the 17th century saw the composition of a large number of death and eternity hymns. The author takes on this theme based on the hymnals of the era. Besides the well-known authors Nicolai, Gerhardt and Rist, other lesser-known authors come to light. Emphasis is placed on the detailed background of the many Biblical references, images and sayings included in such texts. Also of major importance is their respective role in the lives of the worshippers.