10001 – In Dulci Jubilo

J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Arranged by Roger Harvey

Difficulty: Medium

Price: £20

Programme notes:

This Chorale Prelude for organ, BWV 729, is the shorter, more triumphant of two settings of the famous chorale tune by Bach. The from, developed by Buxtehude and Pachelbel and brought to its ultimate consummation by Bach, was intended liturgically as an introduction of the chorale theme to the congregation. The theme was usually presented plainly in the treble while one of a variety of textural devices elaborated it. In this case the opening and final lines of the melody are stated in simple majestic style, while the central lines are increasingly drawn into the more virtuosos textures.

Performance notes:

The tempo should be chosen carefully as that as the textural figures increase in pace they do not become unmanageable but retain an air of virtuosic improvisation. Slight adjustments of tempo may be made at the points where the rhythms change but care must be taken to make this sound natural and not a matter of convenience. In general, the chorale theme sounds best when the notes are held long but given character with a slightly accented articulation. The trombones and tuba particularly should aim to play the quicker figuration with clear articulation but without allowing the sound to become dry and ‘pecky’.