Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

before 1723

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

4:34

Johann Sebastian Bach's "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (II), BWV 659" is a chorale prelude for organ. It was composed in Weimar in 1714 and premiered during Advent of that year. The piece is part of a larger collection of chorale preludes known as the "Orgelbüchlein," which Bach began compiling in Weimar and completed in Leipzig. The piece is structured in three movements, with the first and third being variations on the chorale melody and the second being a free-form interlude. The first movement is a simple and elegant setting of the chorale melody, with the melody in the upper voice and a flowing accompaniment in the lower voices. The second movement is a more complex and virtuosic interlude, with rapid figurations and a sense of urgency. The third movement returns to the simplicity of the first, but with a more elaborate accompaniment and a sense of grandeur. The piece is characterized by Bach's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create complex textures and harmonies within a simple framework. The use of the chorale melody as a basis for the piece gives it a sense of familiarity and accessibility, while the intricate variations and interludes showcase Bach's technical skill and creativity. Overall, "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (II), BWV 659" is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that showcases Bach's genius as a composer and his mastery of the organ. Its timeless beauty and complexity continue to captivate audiences and inspire musicians to this day.

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