Dietrich Buxtehude, Two Chorale Preludes (Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt, Bux WV 183 & Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, BuxWV 223) arranged by John Mason
Woodwind Quartet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb (A optional) and Bassoon)
Intermediate/Advanced level; Duration 3 mins (BuxWv 183) & 7 mins (BuxWV 223)
The two chorale preludes by Buxtehude (1637 -1707) provide inspiring concert repertoire for performances in churches. Reflective in nature, they include delightful musical depiction in the colourful Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt and joyful evocation of the Christmas story and its message in Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern.
BuxWV 183 (D minor) is a poignant chorale setting. The story of the Lutheran chorale text (that of Adam, Eve, the serpent, the Apple, the wrath of God) are helpfully indicated in the score. The oboe holds the chorale theme, with other instruments weaving musical pictures around it.
BuxWV 223 (G major) uses a chorale frequently heard at Christmas. Each phrase is elaborated differently, yet the joy of the message of the ‘Star in the East’, symbol of the saviour’s birth, makes for a delightful whole. A Christmas ‘pastorale’ section, which speeds up to a happy gigue, concludes this gem.
parts and score AMIP 04 @ £12 + p&p.
