Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

In Short

This book serves as a historical and devotional introduction to Danish hymnody, a tradition often overlooked by English speakers despite its depth. By focusing on three pivotal figures—Thomas Kingo, H. A. Brorson, and N. F. S. Grundtvig—the narrative connects the formal evolution of church song to the broader currents of Danish history, from the strict orthodoxy of the seventeenth century to the intellectual and spiritual awakenings of the nineteenth. It acts as both a biographical record and a curated anthology, preserving the lyric heritage that gave voice to the nation’s inner life.

The Story

The narrative begins by establishing that a hymn is a child of its time, reflecting the "blood of true piety" that flows through a culture. The story opens in an era when Danish hymnody was sparse and largely stagnant. The first major figure to emerge is Thomas Kingo, an Easter poet who rose from humble origins to become the voice of seventeenth-century Lutheran orthodoxy. Kingo’s career is marked by swift advancement and a deep preoccupation with the vanity of worldly glory, a theme he explored while witnessing the sudden falls of powerful contemporaries. Though his hymns were scholarly and doctrinal, their freshness cemented their place in the national affection.

The focus then shifts to the eighteenth-century revivalist H. A. Brorson, whose life was defined by a transition from personal struggle to spiritual awakening. Emerging from a period of physical and psychological turmoil, Brorson became the "sweet singer of Pietism." His work moved away from the cold, formalistic doctrine of his predecessors toward a sentimental, subjective, and intensely personal faith. He captured the essence of the Christian life as a "pilgrim’s progress," emphasizing the joy of the believer and the reality of the divine presence amid the trials of a "vale of tears."

The final and most transformative arc belongs to N. F. S. Grundtvig, a towering, multifaceted figure who arrived when Denmark was suffering from spiritual and national malaise. Navigating the aftermath of wars and the stifling influence of Rationalism, Grundtvig fought to restore the historical vitality of the church. He was a man of fierce convictions, often at odds with the religious establishment, yet he possessed a "child-like anticipation" for the spiritual renewal of his people. His journey involved long seasons of isolation and professional disappointment, but he ultimately succeeded in reshaping the Danish church’s identity.

The story concludes with the reconciliation of these movements. Grundtvig’s hymns, once rejected by the authorities, eventually found their way into the standard hymnals, securing his legacy as the "Builder of Modern Denmark." The narrative closes by briefly surveying the work of successors like Ingemann, who blended the traditions of their predecessors into a cohesive musical heritage. By the time of Grundtvig’s death in 1872, the Danish church had been transformed from a state-governed institution into a community that valued the living, breathing reality of the Spirit, ensuring that these songs remained not merely printed words, but a part of the nation’s heartbeat.

How It Unfolds

The roots of song The book establishes the necessity of understanding the author and the age to fully appreciate a hymn. It identifies the early, meager state of Danish hymnody and the enduring, if imperfect, influence of early church leaders.

Kingo’s ascent The focus turns to the rise of Thomas Kingo, tracing his journey from a modest background to a position of national significance. The narrative examines his secular poetry alongside his hymns, contrasting the fading nature of the former with the enduring relevance of the latter.

Brorson’s awakening The narrative follows the transformation of Brorson from a "spiritually confused" young man into the voice of the Pietist movement. It highlights his focus on personal devotion and the comfort he provided to those navigating the dangers of life.

Grundtvig’s long struggle The middle section depicts Grundtvig’s intense intellectual and spiritual battles against the Rationalist tendencies of his day. It documents his professional exile, his deep studies of Norse history, and his eventual triumph in the church’s public life.

The final harmony The account concludes with the integration of Grundtvig’s hymns into the broader church life, culminating in a celebration of the unity of the tradition. It acknowledges the final years of the great poet and the lasting impact of his call to live in the "spirit-inspired word."

The People

Thomas Kingo is the "Easter Poet," a man of high ambition and early success who used his work to contemplate the fleeting nature of worldly honor. Despite the "fickle humor" of the monarch he served, he remained a staunch defender of Lutheran orthodoxy, even when his attempts at revising older works were met with public resistance.

H. A. Brorson appears as a man of deep, if initially fragmented, sensitivity. After a "Jacob-like struggle with God," he emerges as a figure whose primary desire is to know Christ. His temperament is that of a shepherd, offering comfort to those who feel the "shadow of death," and he is remembered for his singular focus on the heart’s response to divine love.

N. F. S. Grundtvig is the most complex figure, described as a historian, poet, and educator. He possesses a "towering" presence and a spirit that refuses to be suppressed by academic or religious opposition. While his enemies see him as a disruptor, he views himself as a defender of the historical church. He is supported throughout his life by a devoted family, particularly his wife, whose encouragement provides him the strength to persevere during his most difficult trials.

In Its Own Voice

"He who knows the way that hymns flowed, knows where the blood of true piety ran, and can trace its veins and arteries to its very heart."

This quote from Henry Ward Beecher is used to justify the study of hymnody as a primary historical source.

"I spurn thy allurements, which tempt and appall; 'Tis vanity all!"

This line represents Kingo’s solemn, orthodox stance against the seductions of the temporal world.

"See, I die, but the Lord shall be with you."

These words were spoken by Grundtvig during his final meeting with friends, reflecting his lifelong conviction regarding the continuity of the spirit.

What It's Really About

At its core, the work explores the interplay between institutional religion and personal spiritual experience. The author argues that religious forms—whether they be hymns, rituals, or doctrines—are merely "skeletons and dead bones" unless they are vivified by the spirit. The book questions how a nation maintains its identity when faced with political bankruptcy and intellectual skepticism, suggesting that the answer lies in a return to the living word. It posits that the "spiritual" is the only true reality, compared to which all other human endeavors are mere shadows. Ultimately, it is a study of how song can preserve a culture’s soul, transforming individual private faith into a collective, public heritage that survives through the centuries.

Why Read It Today

Readers who possess an interest in Scandinavian culture, religious history, or the development of Christian music will find this a deeply rewarding, if specialized, volume. It provides a rare window into the specific Danish experience of the Reformation and the subsequent revival movements, filling a gap for those who know the famous authors by name but lack context.

The prose is warm and scholarly, characterized by a sincere appreciation for the "perennial freshness" of the hymns themselves. However, potential readers should be aware that the text reflects the tone of a 1945 publication, carrying with it the formal, sometimes heavy, ecclesiastical sensibilities of that era. It does not shy away from the complexities of theological disputes, and some readers may find the detailed biographical accounts of minor figures demanding. Nevertheless, the book succeeds in its primary goal: it takes the "meagerly represented" branch of Danish hymnody and places it firmly within the broader, richer tradition of global church song. It stays with you not just for its biographical facts, but for the way it captures the quiet, determined struggle of these poets to express the infinite in the language of the everyday.