Brorson, Hans Adolf

Hans Adolf Brorson, (born June 20, 1694, Randerup, Den.—died June 3, 1764, Ribe), Danish Pietist clergyman, the outstanding writer of hymns of his day, and translator of German Pietist hymns into Danish.

In 1732, while a pastor, Brorson started publishing hymns for his congregation in southern Jutland. His main work, Troens rare klenodie (1739; “The Rare Jewel of Faith”), contained many translations and 82 original hymns. This work had seven editions during Brorson’s lifetime. In 1741 he was elected bishop of Ribe, where he remained for the rest of his life. A second series of hymns, Svanesang (1765; “Swan Song”), was published after his death.