Melchior Vulpius (ca. 1570 - 1615) was a German singer
and composer of church music. Vulpius came from a poor
craftsman's family. He studied at the local school in
Wasungen (in Thuringia) with Johannes Steuerlein. From
1588, he attended the school in Speyer. After marrying
in 1589, he obtained a position at the Gymnasium in
Schleusingen. In 1596, he was named cantor in
Weimar.
He wrote and published church music, the best known
being the setting of the hymn Ach, bleib mit deiner
Gnade ...(+)
Melchior Vulpius (ca. 1570 - 1615) was a German singer
and composer of church music. Vulpius came from a poor
craftsman's family. He studied at the local school in
Wasungen (in Thuringia) with Johannes Steuerlein. From
1588, he attended the school in Speyer. After marrying
in 1589, he obtained a position at the Gymnasium in
Schleusingen. In 1596, he was named cantor in
Weimar.
He wrote and published church music, the best known
being the setting of the hymn Ach, bleib mit deiner
Gnade on a text by Josua Stegmann. This setting was
often performed in Protestant churches on New Year's
Day and at the end of the service. Important
compilations were Cantiones sacrae (1602, 1604),
Kirchengesänge und geistliche Lieder Dr. Luthers
(1604), Canticum beatissimae (1605) and Ein schön
geistlich Gesangbuch (1609). The Cantional (a
collection of songs) was published posthumously in 1646
in Gotha.
Although originally written for Chorus & Organ, I
created this arrangement for Woodwind Quartet (Flute,
Oboe, Bb Clarinet & Bassoon).