Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

before 1723

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

6:04

Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 651' is a masterpiece of organ music. It was composed in the early 18th century and premiered in Leipzig, Germany. The piece is a chorale fantasia, which means that it is based on a Lutheran hymn tune. The hymn tune in question is 'Komm, Heiliger Geist', which translates to 'Come, Holy Spirit'. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is an introduction, which sets the tone for the piece. It begins with a slow, solemn melody played on the pedals of the organ. This is followed by a series of fast, virtuosic runs on the manuals. The movement ends with a return to the slow, solemn melody. The second movement is the chorale itself. The hymn tune is played on the manuals of the organ, while the pedals provide a simple, rhythmic accompaniment. The melody is played in a straightforward manner, without any embellishments or variations. The third movement is a fugue. A fugue is a type of composition in which a theme is introduced and then repeated and developed by different voices. In this case, the theme is based on the hymn tune 'Komm, Heiliger Geist'. The fugue begins with a statement of the theme on the pedals of the organ. This is followed by a series of entries of the theme in different voices. The fugue builds in intensity and complexity, with each voice adding its own variations and embellishments to the theme. The movement ends with a triumphant statement of the theme on the manuals of the organ. 'Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 651' is a complex and challenging piece of music. It requires a skilled organist to perform it effectively. The piece is characterized by its use of virtuosic runs and complex harmonies. It is also notable for its use of the hymn tune 'Komm, Heiliger Geist', which is a common theme in Bach's music. Overall, 'Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 651' is a masterpiece of organ music and a testament to Bach's skill as a composer.

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