Simon Dach
Simon Dach was a notable seventeenth-century poet originally from Memel, East Prussia, now known as Klaipeda, Lithuania. Born into a working-class family, he had the opportunity for a solid education, attending several prestigious institutions, including the Cathedral School in Königsberg and the University of Königsberg, where he studied theology and philosophy. After completing his studies, Dach became an instructor and later a professor of poetry at the University, where he held significant positions, including dean and eventually rector.
Dach was instrumental in forming the Königsberger Dictergruppe, a collective of poets and musicians who worked to set their lyrical poems to music, resulting in several acclaimed publications. His poetry often reflected life's key events, such as births, marriages, and funerals, making him a cherished writer for various celebrations. Among his most famous works is "Anke Von Tharaw ö�, de my Gefollt," written in 1637 to celebrate a friend's marriage. Dach's contributions to poetry and education continued until his death in 1659, leaving a lasting impact on the literary community of his time.
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Simon Dach
Poet
- Born: July 29, 1605
- Birthplace: Memel, East Prussia (now Klaipeda, Lithuania)
- Died: April 15, 1659
Biography
Simon Dach, a seventeenth century poet, was born in Memel, East Prussia (now Klaipeda, Lithuania). His father was the interpreter to the Court of Justice in Memel. Although Dach was born into a working-class family, he was able to receive his childhood education at several well-noted schools. He attended the Cathedral School at Konigsberg, the Town School at Wittenberg, and the Gymnasium at Magdeburg. In 1626, he entered the University of Konigsberg, where he studied theology and philosophy. In 1633, after finishing his studies, he was appointed as an instructor and one of the rectors of the Domschule Cathedral School.
In 1639, Dach became a professor of poetry at the University of Konigsberg and was five times named dean of the philosophical faculty. In 1656, he was promoted to the position of university rector. During this time, he collaborated with Heinrich Albert, Robert Roberthin, and Sibylla Schwarz to form the Konigsberger Dictergruppe. This group of poets and musicians worked to set their poems to lyrical hymns which they eventually published into several well-received collections.
Dach’s poems and lyrics centered on life events such as births, marriages, baptisms, and funerals. Consequently, he was a popular and sought after writer for such public and personal celebrations. These everyday lyrics constituted the majority of his works. The most popular of his lyrical poems was Anke Von Tharaw ö�, de my Gefollt which was composed in 1637 in honor of a friend’s marriage. Dach continued to teach at the University of Konigsberg and write poetry and lyrics until his death in 1659.