Wolfgang Christoph Dessler

Wolfgang Christoph Dessler was a German writer, schoolmaster and theologian born and died in Nuremberg, the city in which he spent virtually his whole life. His work stands at the crossroads of the Pietism of Philipp Jakob Spener and the philological society known as the Pegnesische Blumenorden, which explains the devotional character of his writings.

He began studying theology and philosophy in 1677 at the University of Altdorf, near Nuremberg, but was unable to serve as a pastor because of his frail health. He earned his living as a proofreader for various printing houses in the city. In 1705 he was appointed deputy head of the Heiliggeist school, a post he held until 1720, the year a stroke removed him from his reading activity.

Dessler added to his collections of reflections and prayers sacred verses of his own, some of which passed into general liturgical use. He did not compose the melodies for his hymns; Benedict Schultheiss collaborated on Gott-geheiligter Christen Seelen-Lust, and in 1712 Nikolaus Deinl contributed an appendix of songs. His legacy lies chiefly in his connection with German Pietist hymnody and in his reflections on different types of music from a devotional perspective.