Gott des Himmels und der Erden. [Morning.] First published as above in pt. v. 1643, No. 4, in 7 stanzas of 6 lines, included as No. 459 in the Unverfälschter Leidersegen, 1851.
Of this hymn Dr. Cosack, of Königsberg (quoted in Koch, viii. 186), says:—
"For two hundred years it is hardly likely that a single day has greeted the earth that has not, here and there, in German lands, been met with Alberti's hymn. Hardly another morning hymn can be compared with it, as far as popularity and intrinsic value are concerned, if simplicity and devotion, purity of doctrine and adaptation to all the circumstances of life are to decide."
Stanzas ii., iii., v. have been special favourites in Germany, stanza v. being adopted by children, by brides, by old and young, as a morning prayer.
The fine melody (in the Irish Church Hymnal called "Godesberg") is also by Alberti.
Translations in common use:—
5. God who madest earth and heaven. A good tr. omitting st. vii., and with st. i., 11. 1-4, from Miss Winkworth, contributed by R. Massie, as ]$fl. 501, to the 1857 ed. of Mercer's Church Psalm & Hymn Book (Ox. ed. 1864, No. 7, omitting st. v.) [Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >
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