Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

ca. 1690

Average_duration

:

4:05

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Chorale prelude for organ in G major, BuxWV 214, Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren' was composed in the late 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1680 and 1700. The piece is a chorale prelude, which is a type of organ music that is based on a hymn tune. The premiere of 'Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren' is also unknown, but it is likely that Buxtehude performed it himself during one of his famous Abendmusiken concerts in Lübeck. These concerts were held on Sunday afternoons during the Advent and Lenten seasons and featured music by Buxtehude and other composers. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the hymn 'Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren' (Now praise, my soul, the Lord). The first movement is a simple statement of the hymn tune in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing accompaniment in the left hand and pedals. The second movement is a more elaborate variation on the hymn tune, with the melody appearing in the pedals and the right hand playing a virtuosic figuration. The third movement is a slower, more contemplative setting of the hymn tune, with the melody in the right hand and a gentle accompaniment in the left hand and pedals. The final movement is a lively fugue based on the hymn tune, with the melody appearing in various voices throughout the texture. One of the characteristics of Buxtehude's music is his use of virtuosic figuration in the right hand. This is evident in the second movement of 'Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren', where the right hand plays a rapid series of arpeggios and runs. Another characteristic of Buxtehude's music is his use of counterpoint, which is the art of combining different melodies in a harmonically pleasing way. This is evident in the final movement of 'Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren', which is a fugue that features multiple voices weaving in and out of each other. Overall, 'Nun lob mein Seel' den Herren' is a beautiful example of Buxtehude's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and spiritually uplifting.

More....