Nikolaus Selnecker (Hymn-Writer, Composer)

Born: December 5, 1532 - Hersbruck (near Nürnberg), Bavaria, Germany
Died: May 24, 1592 - Leipzig, Germany

Nikolaus Selnecker [Selneccer] was the son of Georg Selnecker, protonarius to the Nürnberg magistracy. In 1536, the family moved to Nürnberg. At age 12, Nikolaus became organist at the Kaiserburg chapel in Nürnberg. He went to the University of Wittenberg in 1530, where he became a favorite pupil of Melanchthon. He graduated M.A. in 1554.

Subsequently he lectured as a privatdocent, sometimes to 200 students. At the end of 1557 he was appointed second court preacher at Dresden, and tutor to the heir apparent Prince Alexander, also supervising the education of the choir boys of the royal chapel. He was ordained at Wittenberg January 6, 1558.

Source: Cyber Hymnal Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (May 2003)

Texts of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

BWV 6/3, BWV 253

Chorale Texts used in Bach’s Vocal Works

Ach bleib bei uns, Herr Jesu Christ (1611)

Herr Gott, nun sei gepreiset

Chorale Melodies used in Bach’s Vocal Works

Nun laßt uns Gott dem Herren

Links to other Sites

Nikolaus Selnecker (Cyber Hymnal)
Nicholas Selnecker (CCEL)

Bibliography