O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf (O Savior, Rend the Heavens Wide) was written by the German poet Friedrich von Spee (1591-1635) during the Thirty Years? War. The profound text echoes the misery of that time, but at the same time reflects hope of comfort and redemption. This well-known Advent song is sung in the Catholic as well as the Protestant Church. Jacob de Haan has used the beautiful melody for this arrangement for concert band.