Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" is a Lutheran hymn by Philipp Nicolai written in 1597 and first published in 1599. It inspired musical settings through centuries, notably Bach's chorale cantata Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BWV 1, but also vocal and instrumental works by Baroque composers, Peter Cornelius, Felix Mendelssohn, Max Reger, Hugo Distler, Ernst Pepping, Mauricio Kagel and Naji Hakim.
First publication in Nicolai's 1599 Frewdenspiegel deß ewigen Lebens
Philipp Nicolai was a German Lutheran pastor, poet, and composer. He is most widely recognized as a hymnodist.
Portrait from Deorum Dearumque by Hans Vredeman de Vries, 1573.
Seal of the minister Philipp Nicolai