Hymn Desk
Hymn Tunes /

LOBE DEN HERREN

LOBE DEN HERREN first appeared in the Ander Theil des Erneuerten Gesangbuch, published in Stralsund in 1665, a Lutheran hymnal produced in the Pomeranian city on the Baltic coast. The tune was set there to Joachim Neander's great hymn of praise 'Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren,' which Neander (1650–1680) had written as a paraphrase and meditation on Psalms 103 and 150. The precise melodic origins of the tune are debated among musicologists: it bears clear resemblance to earlier Ge LOBE DEN HERREN (not to be confused with LOBE DEN HERREN, O MEINE SEELE, 159) is originally from the Stralsund, Germany, Ander Theil des Erneuerten Gesangbuch, Part II (1665), where it was published with the text “Hast du denn, Liebster, dein Angesicht ganzlich verborgen.” Neander altered the tune in 1680 to fit his own text, and his German incipit generated the name LOBE DEN HERREN. A magnificent tune in bar form (AAB), LOBE DEN HERREN is one of the finest and most popular tunes of the Lutheran repertoire. Bach used the tune in cantatas 57 and 137; a great variety of composers have created chorale preludes on it as well, testifying to the tune’s enduring strength and usefulness. The tune consists of two very long phrases at the beginning (probably the longest in all popular hymnody) matched by three shorter phrases at the end, with a well-posi­ tioned high note for climax. Sing it with rhythmic clarity, especially on the repeating melody notes. Use a strong full registration on the organ (with some bright mixtures and/or reeds); keep the rhythmic energy moving! For festive occasions, use brass instruments and the descant composed by Craig S. Lang (b. Hastings, New Zealand, 1891; d. London, England, 1971). Lang was educated at Clifton College, Bristol, England, and earned his D.Mus. at the Royal College of Music in London. Throughout his life he was an organist and a music educator as well as a composer of organ, piano, and choral works. Lang was also music editor of The Publ Liturgical Use: Many occasions in Christian worship, for praise to God is our “duty and delight” in all circumstances of life.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (divine majesty and power) → Gospel (providence, mercy, sustenance) → Gospel (daily goodness) → Gospel (communal adoration and response)

Associated Hymn Texts (18)