Composer

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Gottfried August Homilius

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Chorale Prelude

Average_duration

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2:38

Gottfried August Homilius was a German composer and organist who lived from 1714 to 1785. He was a student of Johann Sebastian Bach and became the cantor and music director at the Kreuzkirche in Dresden in 1755. Homilius composed a large number of works, including cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental music, but he is best known for his organ music. One of Homilius's most famous works for organ is his Choral Prelude on "Dies sind die Heilgen Zehn Gebote" (These are the Holy Ten Commandments). This piece was composed in the mid-18th century and is a set of variations on the Lutheran hymn tune associated with Martin Luther's catechism. The Choral Prelude is in four movements, each of which is based on a different phrase from the hymn tune. The first movement is a simple statement of the melody in the pedal, accompanied by a flowing arpeggio in the manuals. The second movement is a lively fugue based on the first phrase of the hymn tune. The third movement is a gentle and expressive setting of the second phrase of the hymn tune, with a solo melody in the right hand accompanied by a simple chordal texture in the left hand. The final movement is a grand and majestic setting of the final phrase of the hymn tune, with a full organ sound and a triumphant pedal line. Homilius's Choral Prelude on "Dies sind die Heilgen Zehn Gebote" is a fine example of his skill as an organ composer. The piece is characterized by its clear and concise structure, its expressive use of harmony and counterpoint, and its effective use of the organ's resources. It is a testament to Homilius's mastery of the organ and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and musically satisfying.

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