Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

before 1723

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

3:19

'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (IV), BWV 666' 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 "Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt" (Jesus Christ, our Savior, who turned away God's wrath from us). The composition is believed to have been written in Weimar between 1708 and 1717, during Bach's tenure as court organist and chamber musician to Duke Wilhelm Ernst. It was likely intended for use in church services, as was common for chorale preludes of the time. The piece is in three movements, with a total duration of approximately three minutes. The first movement is a short introduction, featuring a descending chromatic scale in the pedal and a rising melody in the manuals. The second movement is a four-part chorale setting, with the melody in the soprano voice and the other voices providing harmonization. The third movement is a brief coda, featuring a descending scale in the manuals and a final chord in the pedal. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, with a clear and straightforward presentation of the hymn melody. The use of chromaticism in the introduction and coda adds a touch of complexity, while the harmonization in the second movement provides a rich and full sound. The piece is also notable for its use of pedal, which was not always common in chorale preludes of the time. Overall, 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (IV), BWV 666' is a beautiful and expressive example of Bach's mastery of the chorale prelude form. Its timeless beauty and spiritual depth continue to inspire and move listeners today.

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