Albert Knapp

Albert Knapp
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Short Name: Albert Knapp
Full Name: Knapp, Albert, 1798-1864
Birth Year: 1798
Death Year: 1864

Knapp, Albert, was born July 25, 1798, at Tübingen, where his father (1800, Oberanitmann at Alpirsbach in the Black Forest, and 1809, Oberamtmann at Rottweil) was then advocate at the Court of Appeal. In the autumn of 1814 he entered the Theological Seminary at Maulbronn, and in 1816 the Theological College at Tübingen, where he also graduated M.A. at the University. In November, 1820, he became assistant clergyman at Feuerbach, near Stuttgart; and in July, 1821, at Gaisburg, near Stuttgart. He was appointed, in Feb., 1825, diaconus (Heifer) at Sulz on the Neckar, and also pastor of the neighbouring village of Holzhausen; in June, 1831, archidiaconus at Kirchheim-unter-Teck, along with Bahnmaier (q.v.); in May, 1836, diaconus of the Hospitalkirche in Stuttgart ; and in October, 1837, archidiaconus of the Stiftskirche. He was finally appointed, in December, 1845, Stadtpfarrer at St. Leonhard's Church in Stuttgart, where, after having been for some time partially disabled by paralysis, he preached his last sermon, Feb. 13, 1863. He died at Stuttgart, June 18, 1864 (Koch, vii. 213; Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie xvi. 263, &c).

Knapp as a Poet possessed not merely very considerable talent, but also natural originality. He was preeminently a lyric poet; the best of his secular poems being those which celebrate the history and the scenery of his beloved Swabia. His poems are characterised by rich play of fancy, wealth of ideas and of figures, masterly word-painting, capacity of feeling, ease of expression, and sonorous and musical rhythm. Unfortunately the very flow of his imagination betrayed him, for the greatest fault of his poems is that they are at once too numerous and too long (and it must be added sometimes too rhetorical and too eager to point a moral); what was easy writing becomes hard reading.
As a Hymn-writer, among the recent hymn-writers of Germany, Knapp holds a high place, perhaps we might say the highest of all. To his hymn-writing he brought his powers as a poet, and the depth of his nature as an earnest and sincere disciple of Jesus Christ. In his hymns his aim was to make known the fulness of the grace of God, and to reveal the wealth and depth of Holy Scripture, and the love of God to all mankind. Their earnestness, their experimental Christianity, their Scripturalness and their beauty of form have gained for many of them a place in all recent German hymn-books. They have somewhat unaccountably been neglected by English translators. It is certainly surprising that in the Hymns from the Land of Luther not one version from Knapp finds a place. While all the hymns of Spitta's Psalter und Harfe have passed into English, and many of them in half a dozen different versions, comparatively few of Knapp's hymns have been translated, though they rank much higher as poetry, and are more suited for Church use than those by Spitta.
As a Hymnologist Knapp did good service by his Christoterpe [complete set in Berlin], an annual which he edited from 1833 to 1853, in which many of his own pieces appeared, and also many of the best poems and, hymns of Hey, Meta Heusser-Schweizer, and various others. He was also the compiler of the Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz (frequently referred to in this Dictionary as Knapp's Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz), the most elaborate German hymnbook of recent times. Of this the first edition, with 3590 hymns, appeared at Stuttgart in 1837, and a Supplement entitled Christenlieder, 1841, added 250 more. In his second edition, 1850 (3067 hymns) he omitted many of the third-rate hymns of his first edition, added many of a higher class, and gave the hymns more nearly (but by no means exactly) as the authors wrote them. The third edition, 1865 (3130 hymns, concluded by his son), was further im¬proved, and the notices of the authors of the hymns were revised and enlarged. As a comprehensive collection with a specially full representation of good modern hymns it has no rival in German. He was also one of the editors of the Württemberg Gesang-Buch of 1842. The editions which he prepared of the Hymns of Gottfried Arnold (1845) and N. L. von Zinzendorf (1845) are of interest, but he took most unwarrantable liberties with the originals; many pieces being not merely abridged but rewritten "to suit the requirements of the 19th century."

Knapp's original hymns appeared principally in his Christoterpe and Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, as above; and also in his
(1) Christliche Gedichte, 2 vols., Basel, 1829. (2) Neuere Gedichte, 2 yols., Basel, 1834, some¬times ranked as vols. iii., iv. of No. 1. (3) Gedichte, Neueste Folge, Stuttgart, 1843. (4) Herbstblüthen, Stuttgart, 1859. Those which have passed into English common use are:—
i. Aus deiner Eltern Armen. Holy Baptism. This and No. iv. seem to have been written for the baptism of his own children. First published in his Christoterpe, 1850, p. 222, in 3 st. of 8 1., entitled "Baptismal Hymn," and repeated in his Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1850, No. 846 (1865, No. 875). The translation in common use is
Thy parent's arms now yield thee. In the original metre by Miss Winkworth in her Lyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 89; and thence in Kennedy, 1863. Slightly altered for metrical reasons in her Chorale Book for England, 1863, No. 89.
ii. Blick aus diesem Erdenthale (p. 150 i.).
iii. Einst fahren wir vom Vaterlande (p. 326 ii.).
iv. 0 Vaterherz, das Erd' und Himmel schuf. Holy Baptism. A beautiful hymn of supplication to (i.) God the Creator; (ii.) God the Redeemer; (iii.) God the Sanctifier; on behalf of the child, ending with a prayer to the Holy Trinity for guidance and blessing throughout its life. First published in his Christenlieder, 1841, No. 89, in 4 st. of 9 1., repeated in his Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1850, No. 847 (1865, No. 876). The translation in common use is :—
0 Father-Heart, Who hast created all. A good and full translation by Miss Winkworth in herLyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 87, repeated in the Schaff-Gilman Library of Religious Poetry, ed. 1883, p.437. In the hymnals it appears in the following forms, all beginning with st. i.:—
1. 0 Father, Thou Who hast created all. In Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1861 and 1875, and others.
2. Father! Who hast created all. In Adams's American Church Pastorals, 1864, being the Hymns Ancient & Modern version reduced to CM.
3. Father, Who hast created all. In the Pennsylvania Lutheran Church Book, 1868, in 8.6.8.6.8.8. metre.
4. Father of heaven, Who hast created all. In Kennedy, 1863; the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Church Hymns, 1871; Thring's Collection, 1882; and in America in M. W. Stryker's Christian Chorals, 1885.
Hymns not in English common use :—
v. Abend ist es; Herr, die Stunde. Evening. Written at Sulz, June 19, 1828 (Koch, vii. 224). First published in his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 9, in 10 st. Translated as "It is evening, and the hour, Lord," by Miss Manington, 1863, p. 130.
vi. Eines wünsch ich mir vor allem Andern. Love to Christ. First published in his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 151, in 4 st., entitled "My Wish." Lauxmann, in Koch, viii. 59, says it was written, April 23, 1823, while Knapp was at Gaisburg, for the use of a young girl at Stuttgart who was about to be confirmed. Dr. Schaff classes it as the finest and most popular church hymn of its author. Translated as "More than all, one thing my heart is craving," by T. C. Porter, April 13, 1868, for Schaff's Christ in Song, 1869, p. 625.
vii. Geh hin! der Herr hat dich gerufen. Burial of a child. Written, 1844, on the death of his son Manuel. First published in his Christoterpe, 1849, p. 139, in 4 st. Translated as “Go hence! the Lord hath called thee home," by Dr. J. Guthrie, in his Sacred Lyrics, 1869, p. 112.
viii. Geh zum Schlummer ohne Kummer. Burial. Written in memory of his first wife, who died April 11, 1835. First published in Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1837, No. 3432 (1865, No. 3006), in 5 st. Translated as "Softly slumber, softly slumber," by E. Massie, in the Day of Rest, 1878.
ix. Geist des Lebens, heil'ge Gabe. Whitsuntide. Written at Sulz for Whitsuntide, 1828 (Koch, vii. 225). First published in his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 86, in 13 st. Translated as "Thou Spirit, Who dost life impart," by J. Kelly, 1885, p. 63.
x. Hättest du Licht und Heil. The Blessings of Salvation. In his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 149, in
7 st. Translated as “Ob, Jesus! had'st Thou not brought near," by C. T. Astley, 1860, p. 30,
xi. Heulend spielen Stürme mit den Schiffen. For
those at Sea
. First published in his Christliche Gedicht, 1829, ii. p. 26, in 10 st., entitled "The Walk on the Sea, Matthew xiv. 24-32." Translated as "Howling storms are sporting with the vessel," in L. Rehfuess's Church at Sea, 1868, p. 38.
xii. Ihr Kinder lernt von Anfang gern. Children. Written 1839, and first published in his Christenlieder, 1841, No. 212, in 9 st., entitled "The Use of the Fourth (Fifth) Commandment." Translated as "Betimes O learn, ye children, well," by Dr. G. Walker, 1860, p. 68.
xiii. Jesus, ew'ge Sonne. The Glory of Christ. In his Neuere Gedichte, 1834, ii. p. 50, in 1 st. Translated as “Jesus, everlasting Sun," by J. Kelly, 1885, p. 35.
xiv. Schwellet sanft, ihr weissen Sege. For those at Sea. First published in his Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz,1837, No. 3109, in 5 st. Translated as "Gently swell, ye white sails, driven," in L. Rehfuess's Church at Sea, 1868, p. 13.
xv. Sohn des Vaters, Herr der Ehren. Waiting on God. In his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 162, in 3 st. Translated as (1) "Son of the Father! mighty Lord, An answer," by C. T. Astley, 1860, p. 1. (2) "Lord of glory, God's dear Son, Let this thing," &c, by R. Massie, 1864, p. 124.
xvi. Streichet hin, ihr leisen Flügel. The Fleetness of Time. In his Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1837, No. 2903, in 3 st. Translated as "O ye winds of time! still hieing," in L. Rehfuess's Church at Sea, 1868, p. 42.
xvii. Weh' mich vom sanften Mittag an. The Wait¬ing Soul. The original of this hymn is J. Newton's “Breathe from the gentle South, O Lord " (Olney Hymns, 1779, Bk. iii., No. 10). Knapp's translation is full and good, and is included in his Christoterpe, 1837, p. 294, and Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1837, No. 2251. The text tr. is that in S. Hofer's Pilgerharfe, Basel, 1863, No. 118, which begins with st. iii. altered to "O Herr, ich möchte stille sein." Mr. R. Massie was quite unconscious that he was reproducing a hymn of Newton's by a process of double translation. His versions are, (1) "O Lord, I gladly would be still," in the British Herald, June, 1865, p. 85. (2) "Lord, I would still and patient be," in the Day of Rest, 1877, vol. viii. p. 379.
xviii. Wenn ich in stiller Frühe. Morning. In his Christliche Gedichte, 1829, i. p. 25, in 3 st., entitled "The Morning Star." Translated as, (1) "When in the cool, still morning," by R. Massie, in the British Herald, April, 1865, p. 56, and Reid's Praise Book, 1872. (2) "When from my sleep awaking," by R. Massie, in the Day of Res, 1877, p. 375.
xix. Wie hold ist diese Stille. Sunday Morning. Written 1842. In his Gedichte, Neueste Folge, 1843, p. 3, in 7 st. In his Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1850, No 1176 (1865, No. 1217), it begins "Wie süss." Translated as O quiet, silent sweetness," in L. Rehfuess's Church at Sea, 1868, p. 27.

Five additional hymns by Knapp are translated by Dr. H. Mills in his Home Germanicae, 1845 and 1856. A version by Knapp from Caesar Malan is noted under "Non, ce nest pas mourir." [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)


Texts by Albert Knapp (158)sort descendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
Abend ist es, Herr, die StundeAlbert Knapp (Author)German11
Ach, wie irrt das Volk des HerrnA. Knapp (Author)German1
Alle LebensfreudigkeitAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
An dein Bluten und ErbleichenAlbert Knapp (Author)German19
Come, wave your palms and branchesAlbert Knapp (Author)2
Dass ich dein auf ewig seiAlbert Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German1
Dass ich die Perle findeA. Knapp (Author)German4
Dass uns ein Vater würdeAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Dear Father, who hast made us allAlbert Knapp (Author)English3
Dein ist das Licht, von Dir nur kommt VerstandAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Deine Lieb' ist ohne GrenzenAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Der Du in TodesnächtenA. Knapp (Author)German1
Der du mit deinem SterbenAlbert Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German2
Der Du zum Heil erschienenA. Knapp, geb. 1798, † 1864 (Author)German29
Der einst, von Qual durchdrungenA. Knapp (Author)German3
Der Heiland ist dein SteuermannAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Der Herr ist gut, in dessen Dienst wir stehnAlbert Knapp (Author (v. 4, 5))German1
Der von der Sünde nicht gewusstAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Dich zu lieben, das ist LebenAlbert Knapp, P., 1798-1864 (Author)German7
Die Gnade ist der HortA. Knapp (Author)German1
Die wir uns allhier beisammen findenAlbert Knapp (Author (v. 2))German1
Dreieinig heil'ges Wesen, Ach komm' zu diesem KindAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Du bist's, du bist's, o Jesu ChristAlbert Knapp (Author)German6
Du, Freund, vollendest drobenKnapp (Author)German1
Du kennst, o Herr, die DeinenAlbert Knapp (Author)German6
Du Lebensfunk aus HimmelsflammenAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Einer ist's, an dem wir hangenA. Knapp (Author)German26
Eines wünsch ich mir vor allem andernA. Knapp (Author)German58
Eingesenkt zum letzten Schlummer, bloß im weißen SterbekleidAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Einmal ist die Schuld entrichtetAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Einst fahren wir vom VaterlandeAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Ergrünt, ihr Siegespalmen!Albert Knapp (Author)German7
Es jauchzen dir die kleinen KinderA. Knapp (Author)German1
Ewig soll Er mir vor Augen stehenAlbert Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German2
Ewiges Leben, o herrliches WortAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Father of heaven, who hast created allAlbert Knapp (Author)English22
Flammenauge, das zur TiefeA. Knapp (Author)German4
Friedefürst! ich ward erkorenA. Knapp (Author)German2
Geh' zum Schlummer, ohne KummerAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Geheimnisvoll in tiefer NachtAlbert Knapp (Author)German11
Geist des Lebens! heil'ge Gabe, Du, der Seelen Licht und TrostA. Knapp (Author)German31
Glanz der ew'gen Majestät, der durch alle Himmel gehtKnapp (Author)German4
Gleichwie sonne FreudenglanzAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Go now, slumber, unencumberedAlbert Knapp (Author)2
Gott Vater, aller Dinge GrundAlbert Knapp (Author)German39
Gott Vater, der du allen DingenA. Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German1
Gottes Winde wehen, Gottes Ströme gehenAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Greif in das Rad der ZeitenAlb. Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German2
Greif zu, greif, meine SeeleAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Halleluja, wie lieblich stehnAlbert Knapp (Author)German23
Hättest du Licht und HeilAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Heil, Jesus Christus ist erstandenAlbert Knapp (Author)German8
Heil sei dir, du ewiges LebenAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Heilige Gnadenstunde, die zum neuen BundeAlb. Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German2
Heilig sei uns diese Stätte, dies große, tiefe TotenbetteAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Hell und mächtig strömt dein LichtAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Herr, binde du zusammenAlbert Knapp (Author)German10
Herr, der do sein wird, ist und warAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Herr, der Du priesterlich und hehrAlbert Knapp, 1799-1864 (Author)German5
Herr, dessen Thron die Himmel sind!Albert Knapp (Author)German7
Herr Gott, wir suchen wiederA. Knapp (Author)German1
Hier stehen wir von nah' und fernAlbert Knapp (Author)German12
Hirte, gehst du von den LämmernAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Horch', meine Seele, auf ein WortAlbert Knapp (Author)German9
How brightly glows the morning starAlbert Knapp (Editor)English1
Ich bin in dir und du in mirAlb. Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German14
Ich freue mich mit BebenAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Ich weiß, an wen ich glaube, Und dass mein Heiland lebtAlbert Knapp (Author)German12
Ihr Kinder, lernt von Anfang gern Der Weisheit GrundA. Knapp (Author)German33
In unsers Königs Namen, betreten wir die BahnA. Knapp (Author)German1
It is not death to dieAlbert Knapp (Translator (into German))English2
Jedno w sercu, jedno mam życzenieAlbert Knapp (Author)Polish2
Jenen Tag, den Tag der WehenAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Jenes Mahls will ich gedenkenAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Jesus, ew'ge SonneAlbert Knapp (Author)German9
Jesus zu kennen und Jesus zu habenAlbert Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German2
König der Könige, sei uns im Staube willkommen!Albert Knapp (Author)German13
Komm, Seele, betend zu dem HerrnAlbert Knapp (Author)German6
König, Priester und ProphetA. Knapp (Author)German6
Köstlicher Eckstein, in Zion gelegetH. Knapp, geb. 1798 (Author)German9
Lasst mich gehn, lasst mich gehnA. Knapp (Author)German2
Lieblich, dunkel, sanft und stilleAlbert Knapp (Author)German13
Lieblich ist die MorgenstundeAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Liko neno moja nipendaloA. Kanpp, 1798-1864 (Author)Swahili2
Macht weit die Pforten in der WeltA. Knapp, 1798-1864 (Author)German7
Mein Sohn, den ich mit sel'gem BlickAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Mit tausend Gaben will Gott uns labenA. Knapp (Author)German10
Mmoja ndiye tumpendayeAlbert Knapp (Author)Swahili2
More than all, one thing my heart is cravingAlbert Knapp (Author)English10
Nein, nein, das ist kein SterbenAlbert Knapp (Author)German8
Nicht menschlicher Rat noch ErdenverstandAlbert Knapp (Author)German15
Noch dieses Bett, dann keines mehrAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Now we must leave our fatherlandAlbert Knapp (Author)English2
Nun hast du ihr dir gew'hltAlbert Knapp (Author)1
Nun hilf uns, o Herr Jesu ChristAlbert Knapp (Author)German9
O du, des Himmels Zier und Kron'Albert Knapp (Author)German5
O Father, Thou who hast created allRev. Albert Knapp (Author)English4
O God, whom we as father knowAlbert Knapp (Author)3
O Herr, des himmlisches PanierA. Knapp (Author)German8
O Herr Jesu, Ehrenkönig, Die Ernt ist groß, der Schnitter wenigAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
O Herr, wie selig ist ein GeistAlbert Knapp (Author)German6
O Schöpfer, welch ein EbenbildAlbert Knapp (Author)German18
O siehe, tausend FürstenAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
O welche schöne Reise, auf der mich HimmelsspeiseA. Knapp (Author)German4
One desire have I above all othersAlbert Knapp (Author)English2
One thing I desire among all treasureAlbert Knapp (Author)2
Our times, Lord, Thou upholdestAlbert Knapp (Author)English2
Preis sei Christo, der erstandenA. Knapp (Author)German4
Preis sei dir du ewges LebenAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Schau auf deine MillionenAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Schau' hell hinaus ins neue Jahr!Albert Knapp (Author)German3
Schauet an die Gottesmänner, Die sich Christus auserwähltAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Schauet an die sel'gen MännerAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Schaut das Ende treuer ZeugenA. Knapp, geb. 1798 (Author)German2
Schaut den Winter geistlich anAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Schaut die Mutter voller SchmerzenAlbert Knapp (Author)German9
Schlaf wohl, mein Erstling, schläfst du schonAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Schöpfer meines Lebens, lass mich nicht vergebensAlbert Knapp (Author)German16
Schwellet sanft, ihr weißen SegelAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Sei du in unserm Kreise, Herr Jesu, und beweiseA. Knapp (Author)German1
Sei gnädig, Gott, den deinenA. Knapp (Author)German1
Selig sind, die früh sich gürtenKnapp (Author)German2
Selig, wer dich ewig liebetAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Sieh, ein weites TotenfeldA. Knapp (Author)German1
So feierlich und stilleAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Steig auf, du Lied im höhern ChorAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Steig' auf mit Gott, du junges JahrAlbert Knapp (Author)German5
Stell, o Herr, nach Deinem SinnAlbert Knapp (Author)German8
Still, o Herz, und lasse gernAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Süß ists, für ein ewiges LebenAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Süß ists, zu dienen dem Herrn und sein Walten zu schauenAlbert Knapp (Author)German3
Süß [Still] und ruhig ist der SchlummerAlbert Knapp (Author)German10
Thou art my Light, All wisdom comes from TheeAlbert Knapp (Author)2
Thou Spirit, who dost life impartAlbert Knapp (Author)English3
Thy parents' arms now yield theeA. Knapp (Author)English3
Tut euch auf, ihr HimmelspfortenAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Vater, in der FrüheAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Vater [Mutter], hier im ErdenschosseAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Von Grönland's eis'gen ZinkenA. Knapp (Author)German1
Vor dir, TodesüberwinderAlbert Knapp (Author)German9
Wann ich einst entschlafen werdeAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Was ich zu wissen ängstlich binA. Knapp (Translator)German5
Wess ist das Fest? zu wem emporAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Wem soll ich singen, außer dirA. Knapp, 1798- (Author)German6
Wenn deine Gnaden ohne ZahlAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Wenn ich in stiller FrüheAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
Wenn von den geistlich TotenAlbert Knapp (Author)German13
Wer hilft den tausend ArmenAlbert Knapp (Author)German1
Wer malt den sel'gen AugenblickA. Knapp (Translator)German2
Wer ohne Dank und ohn' GebetAlbert Knapp (Author)German4
Wer war in seiner JugendAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Wie hold ist diese StilleAlbert Knapp (Author)German7
Wie lieblich ist der Boten Fuß, die aus der Ferne kamenA. Knapp (Author)German1
Wie süß in früher Morgenstund'Albert Knapp (Author)German6
Wir wollen dich nicht halten Geh still zum Grabe hinA. Knapp (Author)German4
Wo noch schwermutvoll und bloedeAlbert Knapp (Author)3
Zjednoczył nas ze wszystkich ziemAlbert Knapp (Author)Polish2
Zu sammeln die ZerstreutenAlbert Knapp (Author)German2
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