Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1713 - 1715

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

1:58

"Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt (I), BWV 637" is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is part of his collection of chorale preludes known as the Orgelbüchlein, which he began compiling in Weimar in 1713 and completed in Leipzig in 1726. The piece is based on the hymn "Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt" by Johann Georg Albinus. The composition is in the key of G minor and has a slow, mournful character. It is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different phrase of the hymn. The first movement begins with a descending chromatic line in the pedal, which sets the somber tone of the piece. The melody of the hymn is then introduced in the upper voice, accompanied by a simple, chordal accompaniment in the lower voices. The second movement is more complex, with a faster tempo and more intricate counterpoint. The melody is presented in the pedal, while the upper voices weave a complex web of imitative counterpoint around it. The final movement returns to the slow, mournful character of the first, with the melody presented in the upper voice and a simple accompaniment in the lower voices. The piece is notable for its use of chromaticism, which was a hallmark of Bach's style. The descending chromatic line in the pedal of the first movement creates a sense of tension and unease, while the chromaticism in the second movement adds complexity and richness to the counterpoint. The piece also demonstrates Bach's mastery of counterpoint, with each voice contributing to the overall texture in a unique and meaningful way. "Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt (I), BWV 637" was likely composed in Weimar or Leipzig between 1713 and 1726. It was first performed as part of the Orgelbüchlein, which was intended as a collection of chorale preludes for use in Lutheran church services. The piece remains a popular choice for organists today, and is considered a masterpiece of Bach's organ music.

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