Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1739

Publication Date

:

1739

Average_duration

:

4:01

'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (VI), BWV 688' is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is part of his collection of chorale preludes known as the Orgelbüchlein, which he began compiling in Weimar in 1713 and completed in Leipzig in 1716. The piece is based on the hymn tune "Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod überwand" (Jesus Christ, our Savior, who overcame death). The composition is in four movements, each of which is based on a different phrase of the hymn tune. The first movement is a simple and straightforward setting of the first phrase of the hymn tune, with the melody in the upper voice and a simple accompaniment in the lower voices. The second movement is more complex, with the melody in the pedal and a more elaborate accompaniment in the manuals. The third movement is a quiet and introspective setting of the third phrase of the hymn tune, with the melody in the upper voice and a gentle accompaniment in the lower voices. The final movement is a joyful and exuberant setting of the final phrase of the hymn tune, with the melody in the upper voice and a lively accompaniment in the lower voices. The composition is characteristic of Bach's style, with its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonies, and expressive use of dissonance. It is also notable for its use of the pedal, which was a relatively new development in organ music at the time. Overall, 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (VI), BWV 688' is a beautiful and moving example of Bach's mastery of the chorale prelude form. It premiered in Leipzig, Germany in the early 18th century.

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