Composed during Bach's Weimar period and later revised in Leipzig, BWV 654 is part of the Great Eighteen Chorale Preludes. It features intricate counterpoint with a melismatic chorale melody in the soprano, dance-like ritornellos in lower voices, and French-style ornamentation symbolizing spiritual adornment, creating a serene meditation on communion.
Composed as part of the Leipzig Chorales, BWV 654 is a sublime chorale prelude for organ based on Johann Franck's hymn. Bach transforms the communion hymn into a contemplative dialogue between vocal lines, symbolizing the soul's union with Christ. Its intricate counterpoint and serene harmonies have earned it reverence among organists for centuries.
Part of Bach's mature organ works ("Great Eighteen Chorale Preludes"), this piece features an intricately ornamented chorale melody over dance-like ritornellos, symbolizing spiritual adornment through French-style ornamentation. Its four-part counterpoint creates profound serenity, reflecting Lutheran communion theology.
