Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter, BWV 650" is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach as part of his larger collection of organ works known as the "Orgelbüchlein" (Little Organ Book). Here are some interesting facts about this composition:
Orgelbüchlein: The Orgelbüchlein is a collection of short chorale preludes for organ that Bach started compiling around 1708 during his time in Weimar. Unfortunately, the collection remains incomplete, with only 46 out of a planned 164 chorale preludes completed.
Chorale Text: The chorale on which BWV 650 is based is "Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter," which translates to "Have You Now Come Down from Heaven, Jesus?" The text reflects the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Text and Music Relationship: Bach's approach in the Orgelbüchlein was to create musical settings that reflected the mood and meaning of the chorale text. In "Kommst du nun, Jesu," the music captures the sense of anticipation and arrival, with descending phrases representing the descent of Jesus from heaven.
Symbolism in the Composition: The descending phrases in the music can be seen as symbolic of Jesus descending from heaven to earth. Bach often used musical symbolism to enhance the theological and spiritual aspects of his compositions.
Uniqueness of Orgelbüchlein: The Orgelbüchlein is unique in that it provides a systematic treatment of Lutheran chorales, reflecting Bach's interest in creating a comprehensive collection of organ works that could be used for worship and instruction.
Pedagogical Purpose: Bach likely intended the Orgelbüchlein not only for performance but also as a teaching tool for his son Wilhelm Friedemann Bach. Each chorale prelude was meant to serve as an example of how to treat a particular chorale in a composition.
BWV 650 in Context: "Kommst du nun, Jesu, vom Himmel herunter" is the 31st chorale prelude in the Orgelbüchlein. The collection covers various liturgical themes, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, making it a versatile resource for organists.
Continued Influence: Bach's works, including the Orgelbüchlein, continue to be highly regarded and influential in the world of classical music. His innovative approach to combining technical mastery with deep theological expression has left a lasting legacy.