Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

before 1723

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

4:41

'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (II), BWV 665' 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 hymn tune "Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der von uns den Gotteszorn wandt" by Martin Luther. The composition is in four movements, each of which is based on a different phrase of the hymn. The first movement is a simple and straightforward setting of the first phrase of the hymn, with the melody in the upper voice and a simple accompaniment in the lower voices. The second movement is more complex, with the melody in the pedal and a more elaborate accompaniment in the manuals. The third movement is a quiet and introspective setting of the third phrase of the hymn, with the melody in the upper voice and a gentle accompaniment in the lower voices. The final movement is a triumphant setting of the fourth phrase of the hymn, with the melody in the upper voice and a powerful accompaniment in the lower voices. The piece was composed in Weimar in 1713 and premiered there during Bach's tenure as court organist. It is notable for its use of counterpoint and its intricate harmonies, which are typical of Bach's style. The piece is also notable for its use of the pedal, which was a relatively new technique at the time and which Bach used to great effect in many of his organ works. Overall, 'Jesus Christus, unser Heiland (II), BWV 665' is a beautiful and complex piece of music that showcases Bach's mastery of the organ and his ability to create intricate and harmonically rich compositions. It is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep faith in God, which is evident in the solemn and reverent tone of the piece.

More....