Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1713 - 1715

Publication Date

:

1878

Average_duration

:

2:22

"Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 611" is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is believed to have been composed in the early 1700s, during Bach's tenure as the court organist in Weimar. The piece is based on the hymn "Christum wir sollen loben schon," which was written by an unknown author in the 14th century. The piece is written for the organ and is divided into three movements. The first movement is a prelude, which sets the stage for the hymn. It begins with a series of arpeggios that gradually build in intensity, leading to the entrance of the hymn melody. The melody is played in the upper register of the organ, while the lower register provides a steady accompaniment. The second movement is a fugue, which develops the hymn melody in a contrapuntal manner. The fugue begins with a statement of the melody in the bass register of the organ, which is then imitated by the other voices. The fugue is characterized by its intricate counterpoint and its use of chromaticism. The third movement is a postlude, which brings the piece to a close. It begins with a reprise of the hymn melody, which is then developed in a series of virtuosic flourishes. The postlude ends with a grand cadence, which brings the piece to a triumphant conclusion. Overall, "Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 611" is a masterful example of Bach's skill as a composer of organ music. The piece is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, its use of chromaticism, and its virtuosic flourishes. It remains a popular piece in the organ repertoire to this day.

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