Lyra, Justus Wilhelm 03/23/1822 - 12/30/1886

Justus Wilhelm Lyra was a Protestant pastor.

He was known for his musical works. While studying, Lyra composed a series of down-to-earth songs that are still sung today. In theological circles, his work on liturgical questions was highly valued.

He wrote several works on music theory, addressing Martin Luther’s “Deutsche Messe” and “Farben-Musik”. His most famous song is without doubt “Der Mai ist gekommen”, written in 1843. His body of work also includes larger compositions, like a setting for Matthias Claudius’ Christmas cantata. Many residents of Osnabruck gather together on May 1st to honor one of the city’s most famous residents. They sing his songs in the Schloßpark, where a memorial honors the Osnabrucker with the finest sense of melody.