Born: September 14, 1648 - Breslau, Germany
Died: January 27, 1715 - Breslau, Germany

Caspar Neumann attended the University of Jena and was graduated with an M. A. in 1670.

For some time he lectured at this university. On November 30, 1673, he was ordained traveling chaplain to the son of Duke Ernst of Gotha, Prince Christian. Three years later he became court-preacher at Altenburg. He was appointed diaconus of St. Mary Magdalene Church at Breslau in December, 1678, and was pastor there in 1689. The following year he accepted the position as pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Church at Breslau. In connection with this position he also inspected churches and schools of his district and was first professor of theology in the two Gymnasia at Breslau.

Caspar Neumann was regarded as a poet of first rank. His hymns, 39 in all, were used almost entirely in such collections as Breslauische Gesangbuch, 1748; Schweidnitzer Gesangbuch, 1749; and the Hirschberger Gesangbuch, 1752. Neumann was a celebrated preacher, but his influence was felt more through his written than through his spoken word. He published a prayer-book, Kern aller Gebete, Breslau, 1680. This book passed through many editions.

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

Texts of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

BWV 8, BWV 483

Chorale Texts used in Bach’s Vocal Works

Title

Year

EKG

Zahn

Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben

c1690

Links to other Sites

Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary Handbook - Biographies and Sources (ELHHB)

Bibliography

Poets & Composers: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Introduction | Cantatas | Other Vocal | Non-Vocal | Performers | General Topics | Articles | Books | Movies
Biographies | Texts & Translations | Scores | References | Commentary | Music | Concerts | Bach Tour | Memorabilia
Chorale Texts | Chorale Melodies | Lutheran Church Year | Readings | Poets & Composers | Transcriptions
Search Website | Search Works/Movements | Terms & Abbreviations | Copyright Notice | How to contribute | Links