Musical contribution - August 2019

(LiVE sample set: Groningen, Schnitger)

Prelude “Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren                   J.G. Walther (1684-1748)

Johann Gottfried lived in the same time period as Johann Sebastian Bach, and they were actually related to each other. Although Gottfried was known and famous in his time, he was often overlooked for official appointments. In addition, many of his compositions (especially vocal works) have been lost.

This month, we are offering his festive choral arrangement of an internationally renowned melody. It begins with a fugal set-up – with a plenum – after which the melody appears per line in the pedal board. This comes to the fore even more clearly if we add a reed.

This work can serve as a long prelude to congregational singing or as introductory organ music before worship, but it’s also worthy of inclusion on a concert program. You could combine it with other choral arrangements from this period, or with arrangements of this melody from other periods. Whatever you choose, do enjoy this gem!

Best regards,

André