Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1748 - 1749

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

3:33

Johann Sebastian Bach composed 'Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650' in 1730. It is a chorale prelude for organ and is part of his collection of chorale preludes known as the Orgelbüchlein. The piece is based on the hymn of the same name by Nikolaus Herman. The piece is in four movements and is approximately four minutes long. The first movement begins with a simple melody played in the pedal, which is then echoed in the manuals. The second movement features a more complex melody played in the manuals, with the pedal providing a simple accompaniment. The third movement is a fugue, with the melody introduced in the manuals and then imitated in the pedal. The final movement is a simple and peaceful coda, with the melody played in the manuals and the pedal providing a gentle accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Bach's use of counterpoint is masterful, with each voice weaving in and out of the others to create a rich and complex texture. The piece is also notable for its use of pedal, which provides a strong foundation for the melody and adds depth and richness to the overall sound. 'Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650' premiered in Leipzig, Germany, where Bach was the cantor at the Thomaskirche. The piece was likely performed during a church service, as it was common for Bach to include chorale preludes in his church music. Today, the piece is still widely performed and is considered a masterpiece of organ music.

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