author
J. C. (Jens Christian) Aaberg
1877–1970
A Danish-born Lutheran pastor and hymn scholar, he helped bring the richness of Denmark’s hymn tradition to English-speaking readers. His best-known work pairs careful translation with a deep love of church music and its history.
1 Audiobook
Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark
by J. C. (Jens Christian) Aaberg
About the author
Born in Moberg, Denmark, in 1877, he emigrated to the United States in 1901 and studied at Grand View College and Seminary in Des Moines, Iowa. He went on to serve in the ministry of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with pastorates in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.
He is best remembered for his work as a translator, editor, and writer on hymnody. Sources consulted during this search describe him as translating around eighty Danish hymns and songs into English and contributing to the compilation of several Lutheran hymnals.
His book Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark introduced many English-speaking readers to Danish sacred poetry and song, combining translations with biographical and historical notes. He died in Minneapolis in 1970.