The text and melody of Johann Agricola's 1539 hymn certainly struck a chord with Bach, inspiring him to write a 'musical prayer' setting that is a very good example of the religious/devotional dimension in Bach's chorale preludes. I suspect that Busoni's transcription is more inspired by Bach's musical setting than the words which I think first inspired Bach, who composed this chorale prelude between 1708 - 1714. It is a trio - the only one in the Orgelbüchlein - and the music is so very beautiful and touching in the simplicity of the lament. The slow, gentle melody of Agricola’s hymn in the organ version is supported by the pedal in a calmly progressing accompaniment, while the tenor voice weaves submissively in despair in the background. The words of the chorale sketch a picture of a doubting man who clings to Christ, while wondering whether he is equal to the task of living in accordance with Christ’s word. I do think that Busoni's transcription is a masterpiece and the piano arrangement adds a dimension that I think transcends the pathos in the organ original. Your playing is just exquisite, Cole: bravo! (I hope you are now settled in your new home (no 'lament' from you!) and we are all looking forward to the music you will be sharing with us in the weeks ahead and the New Year. Best wishes!) ❤
This is a beautiful and moving interpretation, thank you very much! The sound and the balance of the voices are fantastic. I also really like the tempo. The piece is often played too slowly. With you, one understands that it is a chorale, and one would sing it at this tempo. I know this hymn from my childhood - I come from Germany and from a Protestant family ;) I agree with you, this is one of Busoni's most beautiful transcriptions, and one could hardly play it better. Your channel has become the most important and favorite for me when it comes to piano music and piano playing.
@@TheIndependentPianist I’ve recently learned a couple of Rachmaninov pieces (the easy ones ha!) which of course offer lots of voicing heaven so this will be good to continue developing that skill
@@TheIndependentPianist the d maj prelude and the dflat major moment musicaux! They are challenging for me but I can manage them. But pretty much everything else is too hard !! I’m contemplating the Corelli variations but some of those require serious technique 🥲
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Beautiful performance, piece and talk. So glad to see you!!!
this is such a beautiful piece
The text and melody of Johann Agricola's 1539 hymn certainly struck a chord with Bach, inspiring him to write a 'musical prayer' setting that is a very good example of the religious/devotional dimension in Bach's chorale preludes. I suspect that Busoni's transcription is more inspired by Bach's musical setting than the words which I think first inspired Bach, who composed this chorale prelude between 1708 - 1714. It is a trio - the only one in the Orgelbüchlein - and the music is so very beautiful and touching in the simplicity of the lament. The slow, gentle melody of Agricola’s hymn in the organ version is supported by the pedal in a calmly progressing accompaniment, while the tenor voice weaves submissively in despair in the background. The words of the chorale sketch a picture of a doubting man who clings to Christ, while wondering whether he is equal to the task of living in accordance with Christ’s word. I do think that Busoni's transcription is a masterpiece and the piano arrangement adds a dimension that I think transcends the pathos in the organ original. Your playing is just exquisite, Cole: bravo! (I hope you are now settled in your new home (no 'lament' from you!) and we are all looking forward to the music you will be sharing with us in the weeks ahead and the New Year. Best wishes!) ❤
This is a beautiful and moving interpretation, thank you very much! The sound and the balance of the voices are fantastic. I also really like the tempo. The piece is often played too slowly. With you, one understands that it is a chorale, and one would sing it at this tempo. I know this hymn from my childhood - I come from Germany and from a Protestant family ;) I agree with you, this is one of Busoni's most beautiful transcriptions, and one could hardly play it better.
Your channel has become the most important and favorite for me when it comes to piano music and piano playing.
So gorgeous - I’m going to work on this piece 🎉
Great! I think you will really enjoy it
@@TheIndependentPianist I’ve recently learned a couple of Rachmaninov pieces (the easy ones ha!) which of course offer lots of voicing heaven so this will be good to continue developing that skill
@@neilkilleen3911 are there easy ones???
@@TheIndependentPianist the d maj prelude and the dflat major moment musicaux! They are challenging for me but I can manage them. But pretty much everything else is too hard !! I’m contemplating the Corelli variations but some of those require serious technique 🥲
I’ve started work in this piece now. It’s very satisfying to play - I think I’m a bit romantic in my shaping, but it does invite that I think !!
will you do the liszt b minor sonata anytime soon
One of the most moving interpretation is Dinu Lipatti's version.
Such a profound piece, used to great effect in Tarkovsky's Solaris.
Maybe add the trill back in only on the repetition? Oh, that's what you did...nice.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)