Matthias Behm
1557–1622 · Germany · Reformation
Matthias Behm (1557–1622) was a German Lutheran pastor and hymnist of the early Baroque period who made significant contributions to Protestant hymnody. Active during a formative era of German church music, Behm composed hymns distinguished by their doctrinal clarity and spiritual depth, reflecting Lutheran theological principles. His works were incorporated into German Protestant hymnals and helped establish the devotional character of early modern Lutheran worship. Behm's hymns exemplify the transition from Renaissance to Baroque musical styles and remain part of the enduring legacy of German Protestant sacred music. As both a pastor and creative artist, he bridged the roles of spiritual leadership and musical composition that were central to the development of the Lutheran chorale tradition.
Hymn Texts (50)
- Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old
- O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
- Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit
- Before Thee God Who Knowest All
- Come Oh Come O Quickening Spirit
- Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee
- God Brought Me to this Time and Place
- Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold
- Here in Thy Name Eternal God
- How Can I Thank Thee Lord
- I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again
- I Pray You Dear Lord Jesus
- In God, My Faithful God
- In You Lord I have Put My Trust
- Let All Together Praise Our God
- Lo God to Heaven Ascendeth
- My Maker Now be Nigh
- Now Lay We Calmly in the Grave
- Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise
- Now Let Us Come Before Him
- O Blessed Day When First was Poured
- O Jesus Christ May Grateful Hymns be Rising
- O Lord Our Father Thanks and Praise
- O Lord Our Father Thanks to Thee
- O People Rise and Labor
- Out of the Deep I Call
- Rise Again Ye Lion-Hearted
- To Thee, Our God, We Fly
- What Is the World to Me
- When Afflictions Sore Oppress You
- When Israel Through the Desert Passed
- When My Last Hour Is Close at Hand
- When o'er My Sins I Sorrow
- You Will I Love My Strength
- Your Heart, O God, is Grieved
- In the Very Midst of Life
- Alas My God My Sins Are Great
- All My Heart Sings and Rejoices
- All My Heart This Night Rejoices
- Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
- Away from Us! the Demon Cried
- Be Not Dismayed Thou Little Flock
- Bow Down Your Ear Almighty Lord
- Christians Sing Out with Exultation
- Cold December Flies Away
- Come O Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Come Oh Come Thou Quickening Spirit
- Dear Lord to Thy True Servants Give
- Fear and Love Thy God and Lord
- From God can Nothing Move Me