Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1739

Publication Date

:

1739

Average_duration

:

3:23

'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr (V), BWV 675' 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 1726. The piece is based on the Lutheran hymn "Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr" (To God alone on high be praise), which was written by Nikolaus Decius in 1522. The piece was composed in Weimar in 1713 and was later revised by Bach in Leipzig in 1723. It was first performed in Leipzig in 1724 as part of Bach's regular Sunday cantata performances at the Thomaskirche. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a simple and straightforward setting of the chorale melody in the upper voice, with the lower voices providing a harmonization. The second movement is a more complex and ornate setting of the melody, with the upper voice playing a highly ornamented version of the melody while the lower voices provide a more subdued accompaniment. The third movement is a brief coda that brings the piece to a close. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Bach's use of counterpoint and harmony is masterful, and the piece is a testament to his skill as a composer. The piece is also notable for its use of ornamentation, which is a hallmark of Bach's style. The piece is a beautiful example of Bach's ability to take a simple melody and turn it into a complex and beautiful work of art.

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