Ernst Immanuel Erbe (1854-1927) was born in Bern, Switzerland, and educated mostly in Herrnhut, Saxony (a Moravian center). He began to perform as a substitute organist at the age of 9; after another five years he became a regular organist. As a teen he studied in Germany and quickily earned some renown as a fledgling composer. Erbe immigrated to the US at age 35, settled in Nebraska, and later moved to St. Louis, where he served as organist for several churches in the German Evangelical Synod (there was no Moravian congregation in St. Louis). As a composer he wrote neo-Classical music reminiscent of Haydn and Mozart (and, as such, strongly rooted in a late-18^th century Moravian musical tradition). His compositions include  sacred and secular vocal compositions, works for piano and organ, and chamber pieces. In his vocal compositions the music supports the textual message and features a simplicity of expression that is accessible to amateur performers and listeners alike.