Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth was born in London on September 13, 1827, and grew up largely in Manchester. She received a broad private education and spent time in Dresden, experiences that strengthened the German-language knowledge that later shaped her most influential work. In an era when relatively few German chorales were available to English-speaking congregations in singable translations, Winkworth became a major mediator between German Protestant hymnody and Victorian Britain.

Her first series of Lyra Germanica appeared in 1855, followed by a second series in 1858. The 1858 volume included her English translation of the German hymn now known as In Thee Is Gladness. She later issued The Chorale Book for England in 1863, providing English texts in forms designed to be used with their historic chorale melodies, and Christian Singers of Germany in 1869, which combined translations with historical and biographical material. Her versions of German hymns became widely reprinted in English-language hymnals.

Winkworth was also active in educational and philanthropic causes, especially in Bristol, and supported expanded educational opportunities for women. She died near Geneva on July 1, 1878. For this hymn her role is specifically that of translator: she did not write the original German text or compose its tune.