Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

1:00

'Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelingen, BWV 344' is a chorale composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece was composed in the early 18th century, during Bach's tenure as the court organist and chamber musician in Weimar. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1708 and 1717. The piece is a chorale, which is a type of hymn that was commonly used in Lutheran worship. Chorales were typically sung by the congregation, with the organ providing accompaniment. Bach was a master of the chorale form, and he composed hundreds of them throughout his career. 'Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelingen' is a relatively short chorale, consisting of just four verses. The text of the chorale is a prayer for God's help and guidance in all aspects of life. The first verse begins with the words "Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelingen" ("Help, Lord Jesus, let us succeed"), and the subsequent verses expand on this theme, asking for God's help in specific areas such as love, faith, and perseverance. The piece is written in a simple, homophonic style, with the melody of the chorale sung by the soprano voice and the other voices providing harmonic support. The organ accompaniment is also relatively simple, with the left hand playing a simple bass line and the right hand providing occasional harmonies and flourishes. Despite its simplicity, 'Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelingen' is a beautiful and moving piece of music. Bach's skillful use of harmony and counterpoint gives the piece a sense of depth and richness, while the straightforward melody and text make it accessible and easy to sing. The piece is a testament to Bach's mastery of the chorale form, and it remains a beloved part of the Lutheran musical tradition to this day.

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