Johann Crüger (PHH 42) composed SCHMÜCKE DICH for Franck's text and first published the tune as a setting for Franck's first stanza in Geistliche Kirchen-Melodien. The tune name is the incipit of the original German text. Johann S. Bach (PHH 7) used this tune in his Cantata 180; he and many other composers have written organ preludes on the melody ,

Like many chorale tunes, SCHMUCKE DICH is in bar form (AABC); it has a melodic; repeat and a delightful, though challenging, change of rhythm in its third line. This music serves well for unison or part singing; a good pace and light accompaniment help to create the joyful intimacy and wonder expressed by the text. "Leave the gloom haunts of sadness"; in other words, avoid the funereal tone that sometimes characterizes Reformed observances of the Lord's Supper–this is dance music for a feast!

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook