Simon Dach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simon Dach
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| Born | 29 July 1605 Memel, Duchy of Prussia |
| Died | 15 April 1659 (aged 53) Königsberg, Duchy of Prussia |
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| Nationality | German |
| Citizenship | Prussian |
| Genre | Baroque |
Simon Dach (born July 29, 1605 – died April 15, 1659) was a German poet and writer of hymns. He was born in a place called Memel, which was part of the Duchy of Prussia. Today, this city is known as Klaipėda and is in Lithuania.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Simon Dach grew up in a family that didn't have much money. His father worked as an interpreter for the Lithuanian language. Even so, Simon received a great education. He went to special schools in Königsberg, Wittenberg, and Magdeburg.
In 1626, he started studying at the University of Königsberg. He studied important subjects like theology (the study of religion) and philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence). During this time, he had to leave Magdeburg to escape a serious sickness called the plague and a big war known as the Thirty Years' War. He returned to his home region, Prussia, and settled in Königsberg. He lived there for the rest of his life.
A Career in Poetry
After finishing his studies, Simon Dach worked as a private teacher for a while. In 1633, he became a teacher at the cathedral school in Königsberg. Then, in 1636, he became a co-rector, which is like a vice-principal.
A big step in his career happened in 1639. He was chosen to be a professor of poetry at the Albertina University in Königsberg. This was a very important job, and he kept it until he passed away. In 1640, he also earned a doctorate degree from the university.
Part of his job as a poetry professor was to write poems for special university events. These included celebrations, debates, and even funerals for his fellow professors. He wrote these poems in Latin or Greek. In 1644, he wrote a play called Sorbuisa. This play celebrated the university's 100th birthday!
The Königsberg Poets' Group
Simon Dach became a leader of a musical group called the Kürbishütte. This group included other talented people like George Weissel, Valentin Thilo, and Johann Franck. They often met at the summer house of a musician named Heinrich Albert.
This group of poets, hymn writers, and musicians would meet to create new hymns and share their own poems. They published eight books of poems and songs between 1638 and 1650. These books were very popular! Simon Dach wrote most of the pieces in these books, with 125 out of about 200 poems and songs being his. His songs and hymns were sung all over Germany.
Famous Poems and Hymns
In Königsberg, Simon Dach became good friends with Heinrich Albert and Robert Roberthin. Together, they formed a group called the "Königsberg Poets' Association."
Simon Dach wrote many poems for special occasions. Some of these became very well-known. His most famous poem is "Anke von Tharaw öss, de my geföllt" (which means "Anke of Tharaw is the one I like"). He wrote this poem in 1637 for a friend's wedding. It was later translated into Standard German as "Ännchen von Tharau" and is still famous today.
He also wrote over 150 hymns, which are religious songs. Many of his hymns are still sung, such as "Ich bin ja, Herr, in deiner Macht" (I am, Lord, in your power). Simon Dach was seen as the most important poet and hymn writer in Königsberg during his time.
Published Works
- Handbuch des Kantorendienstes: Einf. u. Handreichung zu einem wiederentdeckten Dienst in d. Gemeinde ISBN: 3-87088-144-5
Literature
- Alexander J. Birt: Simon Dach. Gräfe & Unzer, Königsberg i.P. 1905.
- Bruno Nick: Das Naturgefühl bei Simon Dach. – Greifswald, Univ. Diss., 1911.
- August Gebauer (Hrsg.): Simon Dach und seine Freunde als Kirchenlieddichter. Osiander, Tübingen 1828.
- Heinrich Stiehler: Simon Dach. Hartung, Königsberg i.P., 1896.
- Hermann Österley: Simon Dach; Tübingen 1876.
- Alfred Kelletat (Hrsg.): Simon Dach und der Königsberger Dichterkreis. Stuttgart: Reclam 1986. ISBN: 3-15-008281-1
- Alfred Kelletat: Simon Dach und der Königsberger Dichterkreis, P. Reclam jun., 1986, ISBN: 3-15-008281-1
- Barbara Sturzenegger: Simon Dach und Paul Fleming: Topoi der Freundschaft im 17. Jahrhundert. Diss. Bern 1996.
- Axel E. Walter (Hrsg.), Simon Dach (1605–1659). Berlin, de Gruyter, 2008.
See also
In Spanish: Simon Dach para niños
