Paul Otto Manz (May 10, 1919—October 28, 2009, was an American Lutheran composer for choir and organ. His most famous choral work, “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come” (MSM), has been performed around the world.He also wrote many chorale preludes and hymn-based partitas for the organ. He served the Church as church musician, professor, and recitalist.
He was trained as a Lutheran teacher as Concordia University Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Music at Northwestern University. A Fulbright grant enabled him to study with Flor Peeters in Belgium and Helmut Walcha in Germany.
Over the course of his lifetime Paul Manz received many honors. He was twice named one of the “Ten Most Influential Lutherans” as well as one of the “101 Most Notable Organists of the 20th Century.” He received the Gutenberg Award from the Chicago Bible Society and the Wittenberg Arts Award from the Lutheran Institute in Washington D. C. He had honorary doctorates from Valparaiso University and St. Olaf College.
Manz was most famous for this celebrated “hymn festivals” involving the organ with congregation, choir, and instrumentalists, often with commentary.
His original manuscripts are archived at the Center for Church Music, Concordia University Chicago.
For more information on the life and contributions of Paul Manz, check out…
The Journey Was Chosen: The Life and Work of Paul Manz – Scott M. Hyslop
Published by MorningStar Music Publishers.
Paul O. Manz: The Enduring Legacy of the Hymn Festival – James W. Freese
Published by Lutheran University Press under the auspices of the Center for Church Music.