Friedrich Wilhelm Kritzinger

Friedrich Wilhelm Kritzinger (24 January 181612 July 1890) was a German Protestant theologian, pedagogue, poet and hymnwriter. He was for 38 years the director of a newly founded educational institution for women teachers in Droyßig. His Christmas carol "Süßer die Glocken nie klingen", written to the melody of a popular Volkslied, has remained a favourite.

Life Born in Lehnin, Kritzinger attended the abbey school (Klosterschule) in Lehnin and the gymnasium of the Ritterakademie in (now part of Brandenburg an der Havel).

Due to ill health, he requested retirement for 1 July 1890. He moved with his family to Naumburg where he died shortly afterwards. He was buried on the cemetery of Droyßig opposite the graves of the Prince's family, as requested. He received the title Königlicher Schulrat (Royal school counselor) in 1885. In his birth town, a street is named Kritzinger-Gasse in honour of him and his brother Ludwig Kritzinger. Lebensblüthen in Liedern. Duncker, Berlin 1857 . Liederbüchlein für Kinder. Streiber, Zeitz 1857. Eichenblätter zu Preußens jüngstem Ehrenkranze. Heinicke, Berlin 1864. Samenkörner aus Gottes Wort. Kay, Kassel 1866. Weihnachtsbüchlein für Schule und Haus. Webel, Zeitz 1866. Weihnachtsstrauß für Haus und Schule. Huch, Zeitz 1869. Vaterlands-Lieder. Huch, Zeitz 1876. Pilgerklänge. Gedichte. Huch, Zeitz 1885.

""

Kritzinger is remembered for the lyrics of one song, the Christmas carol "" (Sweeter the bells never sound). Kritzinger's song was first printed in 1860 in the collection Liederstrauß (Song bouquet) by Bernhard Brähmig. The earlier song mentions bells, which may have inspired Kritzinger to write about bells ringing throughout the world as a symbol of peace and joy.