Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599" is a chorale prelude composed by Johann Sebastian Bach as part of his collection known as the "Orgelbüchlein" (Little Organ Book). Here are some interesting facts about this piece:
Orgelbüchlein: The "Orgelbüchlein" is a collection of chorale preludes for the organ, intended as a systematic setting of hymn tunes for the entire liturgical year. "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland" is the first piece in this collection.
Chorale Tune: The title translates to "Now come, Savior of the heathens" in English. It is based on the Advent hymn of the same name, attributed to Martin Luther.
Advent Theme: The hymn is particularly associated with the Advent season, which marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian traditions. It expresses the anticipation and longing for the coming of Christ.
Symbolism in Music: Bach often incorporated symbolic elements in his compositions. In "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland," you can hear the repeated dotted rhythms, which some interpret as symbolic of the approach of Christ.
Structural Mastery: Despite its brevity (it is a short piece), Bach's skill in contrapuntal writing and his ability to convey profound emotions are evident. The piece is a testament to his mastery of form and expression.
Liturgical Significance: Bach's "Orgelbüchlein" was likely intended for instructional purposes, providing organists with examples of how to treat hymn tunes in a variety of ways. Each chorale prelude in the collection corresponds to a specific Sunday or festival in the liturgical calendar.
Listening to Bach's "Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland" can be a delightful experience, especially when considering its historical and musical context within the larger body of Bach's works.