Tradition and Curiosity

Melodies for Grundtvig’s Hymns in J.C. Lindberg’s Rosen-Kjæden (1843)

Abstract

Among the many hymn collections published during the mid-1800s, Jacob Christian Lindberg’s Rosen-Kjæden (1843) stands out for its numerous curious suggestions for accompanying melodies from distinctly secular songs, such as patriotic songs, singing games, and party songs.
Hymn history literature has sporadically addressed these curious melody suggestions in Rosen-Kjæden, but often with surprise or disapproval. This article aims to clarify the scope and nature of Lindberg’s melodies, with particular reference to the 66 hymns in Rosen-Kjæden that were written by N.F.S. Grundtvig. The article outlines the background of the emergence of Rosen-Kjæden and elucidates how Lindberg defended his employment of secular melodies against contemporary criticism during a period of melodic scarcity.
All the church and secular melodies Lindberg suggests for Grundtvig’s hymns are listed in the appendices following the article. The secular melodies have been traced to their origins and are included in a separate appendix together with the first stanza of their original secular text.