Cornelius Becker
1561–1604 · Germany · Reformation
Cornelius Becker (1561-1604) was a German Lutheran theologian and hymn writer who made significant contributions to early Protestant hymnody during the late Reformation. Serving as a pastor in Gotha, Becker authored numerous German hymn texts that reflected Lutheran theological principles and were designed for congregational singing. He is particularly known for his metrical psalm paraphrases and spiritual songs that helped establish the foundation of German Lutheran hymnody in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His works influenced the development of chorale texts and contributed to the rich tradition of German Protestant church music that would flourish in the Baroque era.