Composer

:

Samuel Scheidt

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

4:10

"Nun komm der Heiden Heiland" is a chorale prelude composed by Samuel Scheidt in the early 17th century. The piece is based on a hymn of the same name, which was written by Martin Luther in the 16th century. The hymn is a translation of the Latin hymn "Veni Redemptor Gentium" and is often sung during Advent. Scheidt's chorale prelude is written for organ and consists of four movements. The piece begins with a slow and solemn introduction, which sets the mood for the rest of the piece. The second movement is a lively and rhythmic fugue, which features a complex interplay between the different voices of the organ. The third movement is a slower and more contemplative section, which features a beautiful melody played by the organ's solo stops. The final movement is a triumphant and joyful conclusion, which brings the piece to a close with a flourish. One of the most notable characteristics of Scheidt's "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland" is its use of counterpoint. The piece features a complex interplay between the different voices of the organ, with each voice contributing to the overall texture of the piece. Scheidt's use of counterpoint creates a rich and intricate sound, which is both beautiful and challenging to perform. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of harmony. Scheidt's harmonies are often unexpected and surprising, adding to the overall sense of drama and excitement in the piece. The use of dissonance and chromaticism creates a sense of tension and release, which adds to the emotional impact of the piece. Overall, Scheidt's "Nun komm der Heiden Heiland" is a beautiful and complex piece of music, which showcases the composer's skill in writing for the organ. The piece has been performed and recorded by many organists over the years and remains a popular choice for Advent and Christmas services.

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