biography
| name: |
Claudius, Matthias
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| |
pseudonyms Asmus, Wandsbeker Bote
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pronunciation:
[klowdioos]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1740–1815)
|
| biography:
| Poet and writer, born in Reinfeld-Holstein, N Germany. The son of a parish priest, he studied law and theology, then became a journalist, edited (1770–5) the Wandsbecker Bote (which aimed both to instruct and amuse), and cultivated contacts with leading writers and thinkers of the day. He is best-remembered for his poems and songs, such as Der Mond ist aufgegangen, Rheinweinlied, Der Tod und das Mädchen, Das Abendlied and An den Tod, which appeal through their intimacy of sentiment coupled with simplicity of expression. An enthusiast for the works of Klopstock, he was a leading exponent of the literary trend for ‘Empfindsamkeit’ (Sensibility). |
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