Musical contribution – March 2020

Jesus, remember me                                                                                          André van Vliet

(LiVE Sampleset: Dresden, Silbermann)

It’s been a while since someone from Johannus visited South Africa for work, but during a conversation with an organist there, the topic of the Musical Contribution came up. In addition to expressing their gratitude (because they make frequent use of these offerings), they also asked: “Could you offer a choral arrangement for a piece from one of our collections?” This question was accompanied by two collections – consisting of more than 500 songs each – that returned to the Netherlands with us.

And of course, we’re happy to comply with this request. We specifically sought out a song with an international flavor, and that’s how we arrived at a beautiful Taizé song for the Passion, based on Luke 23:42.

Taizé songs are characterized by their simplicity, yet depth, and the limited number of bars. This particular song has just eight bars. These songs are sung many times in succession during services, so that they quickly become ingrained in your subconscious and can serve as a meditative, tranquil longing for God that continues throughout the day.

This arrangement has a 16-bar introduction. The registration instruction specifies “small reed”, but that isn’t strictly necessary. A lovely principal or one or more flutes will do just as well. The introduction is followed by an initial chorale, which should ideally feature a different leading stop. The interlude, which is 16 bars once again, can be played using the initial registration. The second chorale evokes tranquility, and should be played preferably with strings, and the swell box closed. Leading with a flute 8’ linked to the strings. A nice effect could be achieved if the dynamics go back a bit further in the final four-bar postlude.

Warm regards,

André van Vliet