Paul Gerhardt

Composer

Birthday March 12, 1607

Birth Sign Pisces

Birthplace Germany

DEATH DATE May 27, 1676 (69)

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About

Prolific German composer of church hymns. His most famous compositions include "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded," "If Jesus Be My Friend," and "O World, See Here Your Life."

Before Fame

He studied at the University of Wittenberg and later began a career as a pastor.

Trivia

He attempted to heal the divisions between Lutheran and Reformed clergymen through organizing a series of talks between the two sides, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful.

Family Life

He was married to Anna Maria Barthold.

Associated With

He and Charles Wesley were both important hymn writers.