Rücker, August Gottlieb 12/18/1871 - 09/20/1952

August Gottlieb Rücker *12/18/1871 in Frankenbach near Heilbronn
Methodist pastor and self-taught musician who wanted to use his music to promote the faith and reform worship music. For Rücker, church music was above all to be "the cultivation of the Reformation battle song, the preservation of the pietistic song of assurance of salvation, the singing of revivalist salvation songs as well as Christian songs of hope." Thus, his music does not consist of complexity, but captivates with simplicity and depth of faith. Even the arias of his oratorios are songlike and in no way do they strive for virtuosity. Nevertheless, the music is atmospheric and touching.
Rücker was a leading member of the ''Chritslicher Sängerbund'' and editor of the "Sängergruß" and "Der Chormeister" until their publications were stopped by the Nazis. Rücker did not bow to the authorities, survived the war severely injured during the bombing of Heillbronn and died on .09/20/1952 in Oberstenfeld.