WAS GOTT TUT is usually attributed to Severus Gastorius (b. Ottern, near Weimar, Germany, 1646; d. Jena, Germany, 1682), who presumably composed the tune during a convalescence in 1675 (see above). The tune was published in Ausserlesenes Weimarisches Gesangbuch (1681). Educated at the University of Jena, Gastorius became cantor of Jena in 1677, a post he held until his death. He wrote a variety of church music, including five funeral motets, but he is known primarily for composing WAS GOTT TUT.

The tune is a classic example of a seventeenth-century German chorale setting in bar form (AAB). Sing in sturdy unison, changing to harmony for some of the stanzas. Do not rush, but sing with stately fervor. Observing fermatas at the ends of the first two 1 long lines will help to bring a sense of patience to this melody by giving more breathing time.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook