Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Average_duration

:

2:49

'Komm, heiliger Geist, erfüll die Herzen' is a choral work composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written during his time as the court organist in Weimar, between 1708 and 1717. The work is also known as BWV deest, which means that it is not assigned a number in the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (Bach Works Catalogue). The piece is a chorale motet, which is a type of choral composition that sets a hymn or chorale melody in a polyphonic texture. 'Komm, heiliger Geist, erfüll die Herzen' is based on a Lutheran hymn of the same name, which is a prayer to the Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration. The text of the hymn is attributed to Martin Luther, and it was first published in 1524. The work is in four movements, each of which sets a different verse of the hymn. The first movement is a chorale fantasia, which features the hymn melody in the soprano voice, accompanied by a complex and virtuosic organ part. The other voices enter one by one, weaving intricate counterpoint around the melody. The second movement is a four-part chorale setting, in which the melody is sung by the tenor voice, with the other voices providing harmonies and interjections. The third movement is a duet for soprano and bass, which features a more homophonic texture and a simpler accompaniment. The final movement is a four-part chorale setting, similar to the second movement, but with a more elaborate and celebratory character. The characteristics of 'Komm, heiliger Geist, erfüll die Herzen' reflect Bach's mastery of counterpoint and his deep understanding of Lutheran hymnody. The work is characterized by its intricate and complex polyphony, which weaves together multiple voices in a seamless and harmonious whole. The use of the organ as an accompaniment adds a rich and sonorous texture to the work, while the vocal parts are expressive and emotive, reflecting the prayerful and devotional nature of the text. Overall, 'Komm, heiliger Geist, erfüll die Herzen' is a testament to Bach's skill as a composer and his deep faith as a Lutheran musician.

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