A German theologian who was schooled at Erfurt and Wittenberg, Nicolai wrote a number of theological treatises and several books of poetry. As a composer his import rests with "Der Freudenspiegel des ewigen Lebens," 1599. Many printings of these devotional works occurred until 1674. The works themselves are dated musically and formally show closer relations with Minnesinger traditions than contemporary late Renaissance idioms. "Wie schon leuchet der Morgenstern" and "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme" are among Nicolai's most important works from this collection. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi