Composer

:

Leopold Stokowski

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

3:12

"Ein' feste Burg" (after Bach, BWV 80) is a symphonic arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach's famous chorale cantata, "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott" (BWV 80). The piece was arranged by Leopold Stokowski, an American conductor and composer, and was premiered on October 28, 1927, by the Philadelphia Orchestra. The arrangement consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the original cantata. The first movement, "Ein' feste Burg," is a powerful and majestic statement of the chorale melody, with the orchestra playing in full force. The second movement, "Alles, was von Gott geboren," is a more subdued and introspective section, featuring solo instruments and a more delicate orchestration. The third movement, "Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot'," is a lively and rhythmic section, with the orchestra playing in a dance-like manner. The final movement, "Mit unsrer Macht ist nichts getan," is a triumphant and exultant section, with the orchestra building to a grand climax. Stokowski's arrangement of "Ein' feste Burg" is characterized by its lush and colorful orchestration, which makes full use of the resources of the modern symphony orchestra. The piece is also notable for its dramatic contrasts of dynamics and textures, as well as its use of unconventional harmonies and chord progressions. Overall, "Ein' feste Burg" (after Bach, BWV 80) is a powerful and stirring work that showcases Stokowski's skill as an arranger and his deep reverence for the music of Bach. Its premiere by the Philadelphia Orchestra was a great success, and the piece has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

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