Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian. His prison poem By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered has become a widely sung Christian hymn.
Written in December 1944 while he was held under the Nazi regime, the verses were sent as a Christmas greeting to his fiancée and family. Set to several melodies, the text entered German hymnals and is known in English as a hymn of shelter and steadfast faith.
His theological writings remain widely read, and his resistance to the dictatorship ended with his execution in April 1945.
Compositions by Dietrich Bonhoeffer appear on
Psalms
Psalms and chants from the Anglican and Taizé traditions, with two hymns, directed by Peter Chapman. Cantus Choro’s recording shows his love of Anglican psalmody, lively musicianship, and care for phrasing and words.