MUSIC. HERZLIEBSTER JESU is a grandly impressive tune, composed by the distinguished musician and writer of chorales, Johann Crüger, 1598-1662. It has been observed that nearly five-sevenths of this whole melody has a downward movement, which accounts for some of its intensely solemn character. J. S. Bach used the tune in his St. Matthew’s Passion.
For comments on the composer, Johann Crüger, see [Hymn 242].
535. Christ, the Life of all the living
Ernst C. Homburg, 1605-81
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78
1.
Jesu, meines Lebens Leben,
Jesu, meines Todes Tod,
Der du dich für mich gegeben
In die tiefste Seelennot,