Johann Rudolf Ahle
1625 - 1673
Biography
Johann Rudolf Ahle (1625–1673) was a German composer, organist, music theorist, and church musician associated with Mühlhausen in Thuringia. He studied theology at the University of Erfurt and became known as an organist before returning to his native Mühlhausen, where he served at St. Blasius Church. His sacred output included organ music, vocal music, and congregational song.
Ahle also wrote on music and civic life eventually became another major part of his career: he served on the Mühlhausen town council and later became mayor. His son, Johann Georg Ahle, succeeded him as organist at St. Blasius. The tune commonly known as LIEBSTER JESU dates from the seventeenth century and remains Ahle's best-known contribution to modern hymnals. That tune has sometimes been used as an alternate melody for Brian Wren's Transfiguration hymn.
Ahle also wrote on music and civic life eventually became another major part of his career: he served on the Mühlhausen town council and later became mayor. His son, Johann Georg Ahle, succeeded him as organist at St. Blasius. The tune commonly known as LIEBSTER JESU dates from the seventeenth century and remains Ahle's best-known contribution to modern hymnals. That tune has sometimes been used as an alternate melody for Brian Wren's Transfiguration hymn.
Hymns by Johann Rudolf Ahle
Christ, upon the Mountain Peak
Role: Composer
Word of God, Come Down on Earth
Role: Composer