Publication of the final cantos of Der Messias (1773)

In 1773, Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock published the final five cantos of his epic poem Der Messias in Hamburg. This event marked the completion of his major literary work, which he had been working on since receiving an invitation to settle in Copenhagen. The publication occurred in the city where Klopstock had retired in 1770.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, a German poet, received an invitation from Frederick V of Denmark to settle in Copenhagen with an annuity, hoping he would complete Der Messias there. However, in 1770, when King Christian VII dismissed Count Bernstorff, Klopstock retired to Hamburg but retained his pension and rank. This move established Hamburg as his residence for the remainder of his life.

Publication. In 1773, the last five cantos of Der Messias were published in Hamburg. This publication completed the epic poem, which is considered Klopstock's best known work. The event occurred in the city where Klopstock had been living since 1770, following his retirement from Copenhagen.

Context. Klopstock's work Der Messias was significant for opening German literature to exploration outside French models. The publication of the final cantos in 1773 occurred in Hamburg, a city that also hosted performances of Handel's Messiah, which Klopstock later translated for Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.

People involved

Sources

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