Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1713 - 1715

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

2:04

'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (I), BWV 642' 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 1716. The piece is based on the hymn of the same name by Georg Neumark. The premiere of 'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (I), BWV 642' is unknown, 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 in a simple ternary form, with a slow and contemplative opening section followed by a faster and more lively middle section, before returning to the opening material. The piece is written in the key of G major and is scored for solo organ. The characteristics of 'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (I), BWV 642' are typical of Bach's chorale preludes. The piece is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with the melody of the hymn presented in the upper voice and accompanied by a flowing and ornamented counterpoint in the lower voices. The piece is also notable for its use of pedal, which provides a rich and resonant bass line. Overall, 'Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten (I), BWV 642' is a beautiful and contemplative piece of music that showcases Bach's mastery of the organ and his ability to create complex and intricate textures from simple hymn melodies.

More....