- Prelude & Fugue ("St. Anne") in Eb Major, BWV 552
[15:20] (a=466 Hz)
These two pieces constitute the beginning and ending of Bach's Die Klavierübung, Part III. The prelude utilizes three major textures: stately, coy,
and like a rolling wave, finally reverting to the first texture. The fugue is based on the hymn tune known as "St. Anne," and also has three major
sections, Allebreve based on the chorale, a gentle 6/4, and the dancelike 12/8 time, punctuated with glimpses of the hymn tune, increasingly prominent
in the pedal. They are a towering monument amidst Bach's already impressive array of organ masterpieces. Brad Lehman Temperament. Reduced memory
scheme can be emulated by setting each stop with just one main loop.
Instrument:
The Hinsz-Organ at Leens in the province of Groningen (1733/34) -
Samples by Hauptwerk.nl
- Chorale Text
Words to chorale associated with the fugue:
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home:
Under the shadow of thy throne,
thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in thy sight
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away;
they fly, forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be thou our guide while troubles last,
and our eternal home!
--Isaac Watts, 1719
Audio track was created with Hauptwerk v. 3 software
|
