Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1713 - 1715

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

1:00

'Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ (I), BWV 628' is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is a part of his collection of chorale preludes known as the Orgelbüchlein, which he started compiling in Weimar in 1713 and completed in Leipzig in 1716. The piece is based on the Easter hymn "Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ" by Nikolaus Herman. The premiere of 'Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ (I), BWV 628' is not known, but it was likely performed during Bach's time as organist at the court of Weimar or as cantor at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a simple and joyful setting of the hymn tune, with the melody played in the upper voice and accompanied by a flowing, arpeggiated bass line. The second movement is a more complex and introspective setting of the hymn, with the melody played in the tenor voice and accompanied by a series of descending chromatic lines in the other voices. The third movement is a triumphant and exuberant setting of the hymn, with the melody played in the pedal and accompanied by a series of fanfare-like figures in the other voices. The characteristics of 'Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ (I), BWV 628' are typical of Bach's chorale preludes. The piece is characterized by its clear and concise structure, its use of counterpoint and harmony to enhance the emotional impact of the hymn, and its virtuosic and expressive organ writing. The piece is also notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which add a sense of tension and drama to the music. Overall, 'Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ (I), BWV 628' is a masterful example of Bach's skill as a composer of sacred music and a testament to his enduring influence on the development of Western classical music.

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