Christian Keymann

Christian Keymann (also Christian Keimann; 27 February 1607 – 13 January 1662) was a German hymnwriter. He is known for writing the chorale “Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht” in 1658, which served as the base for Bach’s chorale cantata Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht, BWV 124, and other compositions. Career Keymann was born in Pankratz, Habsburg Bohemia, in 1607, the son of Zacharias Keimann, a Lutheran pastor. From 1627 to 1634, he studied at the University of Wittenberg. After graduation he worked at the gymnasium of Zittau, first as associate director, then as rector in 1638. He died of a stroke in 1662. Hymns Two of his most popular hymns were translated into English; “O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly” (“Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle”) found in Chorale Book, No. 33, and “Jesus will I never leave” (“Meinen Jesum laß ich nicht”) found in United Brethren’s Hymn Book, No. 464. Donald G. Bloesch in his book The struggle of prayer (1980) describes it as a “moving hymn”. His hymns in general have been described as “being of genuine poetic ring, fresh, strong, full of faith under manifold and heavy trials, and deeply spiritual”. Music Keymann collaborated with composer Andreas Hammerschmidt who