Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

A historical account published in the mid-20th century. The book aims to shed light on Danish hymnody, emphasizing its roots in the Protestant Reformation and exploring the lives and works of prominent Danish hymnwriters such as Thomas Kingo, Hans Adolph Brorson, and N.F.S. Grundtvig. Through this exploration, it presents an understanding of the spiritual movements within the Danish church and the cultural significance of hymns in Denmark. The opening of the work provides context for the importance of Danish hymnody, noting that while it has been well-regarded in Northern Europe, it has lacked an adequate presentation to English-speaking audiences. The author discusses the historical suppression of Danish hymns during the Roman Catholic period, the resurgence of hymn singing during the Reformation, and its evolution through the contributions of various hymnwriters. Emphasis is placed on the need to know the authors and their historical context for a better appreciation of the hymns themselves, as Aaberg seeks to connect their lyrics to the spiritual lives of their writers and the church communities they served.