Born on 1584, Michael Altenburg was a composer, teacher, and minister who published 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. One of his songs "Verzage nicht, du Hauflein klein!" was used as a march by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Altenburg's works range from simple lieder and motets to complex concertos. Gaudium Christianum, das ist christliche musikalische Freude, a collection of six motets, exemplifies his mastery of polyphonic form. He died in 1640.