Eine unbeachtete Liederhandschrift des Nürnberger Dichters Sigmund von Birken (1626–1681)

Abstract

This article examines the hymnological and historical significance of a manuscript (ca. 1670) from the archives of the Pegnesische Blumenorden. The forty hymns of the document are primarily melodies in thorough bass settings, their devotional texts deemed for the worship of Christ. It is unclear why Birken collected these songs—perhaps as a melodic source. The subjective choice of hymns of the Nuremberg poet and scholar demonstrates the wide range of his connections and associates. The collection influenced the local Nuremberg song tradition (cf. Johann Dretzel’s hymnbook, 1731) and beyond, while the manuscript offers many primary sources for texts and melodies as well as for later, commonly used music-text composites.