BACH: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, chorale prelude for organ (1748 -1749)

• Date: 1748 -1749
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Period: Baroque (1600-1749)

Wachet auf (Wake Up) is the first of J. S. Bach's six Schübler Chorales, and one of five transcribed from various cantata arias from the composer's years in Leipzig (1723-1750). Derived from Cantata 140, Wachet auf is the most characteristic example among the Schübler Chorales of a style which is here evident for the first time in Bach's music. The prime characteristic of this style is the weaving of an independent contrapuntal melody with the cantus firmus, resulting in a much clearer chorale tune and a distinct, ritornello-like accompaniment.

Wachet auf is traditionally associated with the end of the liturgical year. The original organ registration calls for an 8' stop in the right hand, an 8' stop in the left hand, and a 16' stop in the pedals. The piece begins with a light, violin-like melody in the right hand, which goes through a complete period before the entry of the cantus firmus in the left. The cantus firmus, usually played on a reed stop, sounds in stark contrast to the accompaniment, which embodies the watchman's voice as it announces the arrival of the Bridegroom to the dancing Wise Virgins. There are two interludes between the verses, and the piece closes with the same ethereal character as the opening.

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Wake up, the voice calls us


ARS NON HABET INIMICVM NISI IGNORANTEM

Ton Koopman - 1714 Silbermann organ, Dom St. Marien, Saxony, Germany - 16th June, A.D. 2000


Aarnoud de Groen plays Johann Sebastian Bach's "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme", BWV 645. Organ of Bethlehemkerk, The Hague


The organ (from Greek όργανον – organon, "organ, instrument, tool") is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard played either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is one of the oldest musical instruments in the Western musical tradition (Read more)