Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:50

'Wie bist du, Seele, in mir so gar betrübt, BWV 435' is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is believed to have been composed in the early 1700s, during Bach's time as a court musician in Weimar. The piece is part of a larger collection of chorale preludes known as the Orgelbüchlein, which Bach began compiling in 1713. The premiere of 'Wie bist du, Seele, in mir so gar betrübt, BWV 435' is unknown, as the Orgelbüchlein was not published during Bach's lifetime. However, the piece has since become a staple of the organ repertoire and is frequently performed in churches and concert halls around the world. The piece is structured in a single movement and is based on the hymn tune "Wie bist du, Seele, in mir so gar betrübt" by Johann Rist. The melody is presented in the upper voice of the organ, while the lower voices provide a harmonization of the tune. The piece is characterized by its somber and introspective mood, reflecting the text of the hymn, which deals with the soul's struggle with sin and the need for redemption. Bach's use of counterpoint in 'Wie bist du, Seele, in mir so gar betrübt, BWV 435' is particularly noteworthy. The lower voices provide a complex web of interweaving melodies, creating a rich and textured harmonic landscape. The piece also features several instances of chromaticism, adding to its sense of melancholy and introspection. Overall, 'Wie bist du, Seele, in mir so gar betrübt, BWV 435' is a masterful example of Bach's skill as a composer of chorale preludes. Its haunting melody and intricate counterpoint make it a powerful expression of the human struggle with sin and the need for redemption.

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