Scoreload logo

Scoreload

Johann Sebastian Bach - Paul Gerhardt - O Jesulein süß, BWV 493

"O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild" (O Sweet Little Jesus, O Mild Little Jesus), BWV 493 is a Christmas hymn composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Here are some interesting facts about the piece:

  1. Title and Theme: The title translates to "O Sweet Little Jesus, O Mild Little Jesus" in English. The hymn is a devotional and adoring expression of the nativity of Jesus Christ.

  2. BWV 493: The BWV stands for "Bach Werke Verzeichnis," which is the Bach Works Catalog. BWV 493 is the catalog number assigned to this particular piece by the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis, a comprehensive catalog of Bach's compositions.

  3. Genre: The hymn falls into the category of sacred music and specifically belongs to the Christmas repertoire. Bach composed many pieces for various liturgical occasions, and Christmas was a theme he explored in several of his compositions.

  4. Chorale Setting: "O Jesulein süß, o Jesulein mild" is a chorale setting, which means it is based on a pre-existing hymn tune. Bach often took existing hymns and created elaborate compositions around them, showcasing his skill in harmonization and counterpoint.

  5. Chorale Melody: The melody of this hymn is a traditional one associated with Christmas. Bach's treatment of the chorale melody involves intricate harmonies and contrapuntal techniques, highlighting his mastery of Baroque compositional styles.

  6. Liturgical Use: Bach's music, including this hymn, was often composed for use in church services. The sacred nature of the text and the celebration of the Christmas theme make it suitable for performance during Christmas services.

  7. Historical Context: The composition is a part of Bach's larger body of work, created during the Baroque period in the early 18th century. Understanding the historical context helps appreciate the stylistic elements and influences present in the music.

"BWV 493" is just one example of Bach's contributions to the rich tradition of Christmas music, and it continues to be appreciated for its beauty and spiritual significance.

download pdf

SCORELOAD: Your premier destination for browsing, downloading, and printing PDF scores spanning diverse musical genres, perfect for piano, vocals, ensemble, or orchestra.

Blog | Best | Popular | Simple Piano | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy