Michael Altenburg was a composer, teacher and minister who publihsed a number of sacred works which are still sung today. His career as a teacher, minister and composer are somewhat sporadic and intermingled with one another. While one occupation flourished the others seem to fade. Life situations dictated what he did but the fruits of his musical labors still remain. One of his songs "Verzage nicht, du Hauflein klein!" was used as a march by Gustavus Adolphus. Altenburg's works range from simple lieder and motets to complex concertos. "Gaudium Christianum, das ist christliche musikalische Freude. . .6 motets, 5-16 voices, 3 tpt, 2 timp" exemplifies the polyphonic depth of his some of his work. ~ Keith Johnson