Wilhelmina Koch facts for kids

Wilhelmina Amalie Koch, also known as Mina or Minna Koch, was a German musician and composer. She was born on February 22, 1845, and passed away on March 6, 1924. Mina Koch wrote many different kinds of music, including songs for church and everyday life, as well as music for choirs and instruments. She is special because she is one of only two women whose music was included in the Protestant hymnal, which is a book of songs used in Protestant churches.

Her Early Life and Family

Mina Koch was born in a town called Waldböckelheim. She was the second of six children. Her father, Karl August Schapper, was a pastor in Waldböckelheim. Mina spent her childhood in places like Münster am Stein and Koblenz. When she was eleven years old, her mother, Amalie Schapper, sadly passed away.

In 1860, when Mina was about 15, her family moved to Wittenberg. Her father became a professor and director there. They lived in a large house near the church where famous historical figures like Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon used to meet. Mina went to a girls' school in Droyßig during these years.

Learning Music

While in Wittenberg, Mina Koch had a great opportunity to learn music. The church music director and organist, Carl Stein, taught her about music theory and how to create harmonies. These lessons were very important for her future as a composer.

Marriage and Moving On

On April 27, 1865, Mina married August Koch in Wittenberg. Her own father performed the wedding ceremony. Mina and August had ten children together, though two of them passed away when they were very young.

In 1876, Mina and her family moved to Elberfeld. Her husband, August Koch, became a pastor there for the Lutheran Church. Later, he became a superintendent, which is a leader in the church.

Composing Music

Mina Koch continued to compose music throughout her life. In 1887, she visited her brother Karl. During this visit, she wrote the music for a famous poem called "Stern, auf den ich schaue" (Star that I look upon). This shows how she found inspiration in her life and surroundings.

Later Years

When Mina Koch was fifty years old, she lost her eyesight and became blind. Even with this challenge, she continued her life. After her husband retired in 1906, they moved to Wernigerode. August Koch passed away in 1910.

At 78 years old, Mina Koch moved to live with her youngest daughter in Stolp, a town in Pomerania. She passed away a year later, on March 12, 1924, in Stolp. She was buried next to her husband in Wernigerode.