German composer and theorist noted for his compilations and arrangements of several important choral collections, the best-known being Praxis pietatis melica (earliest extant edition, 1647), which was reprinted in numerous later editions. Crüger also contributed many original chorale melodies to these collections, including Jesu, meine Freude; Nun danket alle Gott; Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen; and other well-known chorales. His most influential theoretical work was Synopsis musica (1630, enlarged 1654). From 1622 until his death he held the post of cantor at the Nikolai Church in Berlin.