Sacred Hymns from the German
1841
Frances Elizabeth Cox
1812-1897
Francis Elizabeth Cox was born May 10, 1812, at Oxford, England, daughter of Mr. George V. Cox. She was among the important English translators of the nineteenth century and a member of the Anglican Church. Together with Catherine Winkworth, she was among the first to rediscover and translate German hymns into English. Her 1841 publication, Sacred Hymns from the German, contained 49 translations, together with the original German lyrics and notes on the German authors; it received favorable reviews from both Protestant and Catholic publications. This volume also included the well-known "Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above." The translation was also published simultaneously in Lyra Eucharistica and Hymns from the German, 1864. It was introduced in the U.S. in the Lutheran Church Book, 1868.
Sacred Hymns from the German (1864) represented the second edition, revised and enlarged, of the 1841 volume. It contained 56 translations included 27 from the first edition (22 being omitted), plus 29 new translations. According to Julian, a few other translations and original hymns composed by Cox were published in magazines, but had not been gathered together in a single volume.
She died September 23, 1897, at Headington, England.
Cox’s published works include:
- Sacred Hymns from the German
Her many translations include:
Come, Tune Your Heart (The Advent)
Come Tune Your Heart (from Bramley and Stainer, with music)
The Last of Days Will Come Indeed (The Advent)
Lift Up, Ye Saints, Your Joyful Heads (The Advent)
The Mighty Saviour Comes From Heaven (For Christmas)
Mortals Who Have God Offended (The Circumcision)
Wake! The Welcome Day Appeareth (The Advent)
Wake! The Welcome Day Appeareth (verses from George Woodward, with music)
Wake The Startling Watch-Cry Pealeth (The Advent)
Wake! The Startling Watch-Cry Pealeth (From J. H. Hopkins, with music)
We Sing To Thee, Emmanuel (For Christmas)
Sources: John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1892, 1907), Cyberhymnal, Larry Marietta's Music Notes and others
If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.
Related Hymns and Carols