Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1748 - 1749

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

1:51

'Wo soll ich fliehen hin (I), BWV 646' 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 "Wo soll ich fliehen hin" by Johann Heermann. The premiere of 'Wo soll ich fliehen hin (I), BWV 646' 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 divided into three movements. The first movement is a prelude in which the melody of the hymn is presented in the upper voice while the lower voices provide a harmonic accompaniment. The second movement is a fugue in which the melody is presented in the bass voice and then imitated by the other voices. The third movement is a postlude in which the melody is presented in the upper voice while the lower voices provide a harmonic accompaniment. The characteristics of 'Wo soll ich fliehen hin (I), BWV 646' are typical of Bach's chorale preludes. The piece is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with each voice having an independent melody that is woven together with the others to create a complex and harmonically rich whole. The piece also demonstrates Bach's mastery of counterpoint, with the voices moving in a variety of different directions and at different speeds. Finally, the piece is notable for its use of chromaticism, with Bach using chromatic harmonies to create tension and drama within the piece.

More....