Musical contribution - March 2018

Heut Triumphieret Gottes Sohn (LiVE sample set: Groningen, Schnitger).

In 1591 a collection by poet/preacher Kaspar Stolzhagen was published with the title:

“Kinderspiegel oder Hauszucht- und Tischbüchlein, wie die Eltern mit den Kindern vor und nach dem Essen, morgens und abends singen und beten sollen.”

The song that we’re offering this month also comes from this collection. Stolzhagen thought that it was not only important for children to sing and pray, but also that they could remember the words and the melody well. Hence the beautiful structure in both the text and in the melody:

• Two lines of text, followed each time by ‘Halleluja’.

• The limited scope of the melody, and its dancing character.

With this in mind, we decided to use few harmony changes in the arrangement. The placement of the fourth note in the eighth movement (highest note in an unimportant measure that creates an almost syncopated effect) strengthens the dancing character.

The registration includes a clear accompaniment on the 2nd manual and a trumpet on the 1st manual. The keyboard changes make the melody clearly recognisable even though it is brought forward by a quarter interval. From bar 36 onwards, we move onto the 1st manual with both hands, in order to strengthen a possible invitation to sing along.

A second chorale is added:

- Chorale 1 for those who would like to hold on to the cadence.
- Chorale 2 for those who like their chorale a little broader.

We wish you a Blessed Easter.

With musical regards,

André van Vliet