16:30 - 17:30
Sean Rafferty presents a selection of music and guests from the arts world.
AN INTRODUCTION TO BACH'S CHORALES, SACRED SONGS AND ARIASKEY WORKSAllein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr BWV 260 Chorales, sacred songs and arias - an introductionThe Lutheran chorale is fundamental in Bach's output as a composer. The word chorale itself indicates the music's links with plainchant, but in Lutheran worship it became a congregational song, its text associated with a particular part of the church's year. Initially hymns to be sung between the Epistle and Gospel readings at the Eucharist, chorales expanded to encompass all Sundays and church festivals; originally sung in tandem with parts of the Latin Mass, eventually chorales assumed greater importance; as well as for congregational worship, they were included in cantatas, and settings of the Passion. Bach's Orgel-Büchlein is a collection of typically ingenious settings of the major chorales; a glance at the list of organ repertoire (available on this website) shows that Bach returned to the composition of chorale preludes (as well as variations) again and again. To this day, the Orgel-Büchlein remains the primer of choice for organ teachers and students. |  | Find a workBrowse the complete list of works, and read intros to each of the genre areas A Bach Blog About BachFind out more about the man and his music Related LinksOn the BBC On the Web
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