Clavierübung III: The German Organ Mass

Much like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Bach represents a summit of human achievement. Throughout his life the organ was the instrument that proved an indispensable musical companion. From his earliest years to his deathbed, there was hardly a time in Bach's life when he was not obliged to play the organ and compose for it. Because of this, the organ works form a centerpiece of his creative evolution and existence.

Bach's organ works continue to surprise and astonish three hundred years later. They are the organist's supreme challenge. They are the listener's supreme delight. They are the perfect marriage of humble purpose and high genius. In this series, each performance highlights musical and personal themes throughout Bach's life. This thematic arrangement takes listeners on an intimate journey through these pieces.

Prelude in E-flat major, BWV 552/i

Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, BWV 669 (Kyrie, God and Father in eternity) – Pedaliter
Christe, aller Welt Trost, BWV 670 (Christ, consolation of all the world) – Pedaliter
Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist, BWV 671 (Kyrie, Holy Spirit) – Pedaliter

Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, BWV 672 – Manualiter
Christe, aller Welt Trost, BWV 673 – Manualiter
Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist, BWV 674 – Manualiter

Allein Gott in der Höh sei ehr, BWV 675 (Alone to God on high be honor) – Manualiter
Allein Gott in der Höh sei ehr, BWV 676 – Pedaliter
Allein Gott in der Höh sei ehr, BWV 677 – Manualiter

Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot, BWV 678 (The holy ten commandments) – Pedaliter
Fughetta super Dies sind die heil’gen zehn Gebot, BWV 679 – Manualiter

Wir glauben all’an einen Gott, BWV 680 (We all believe in one God) – Pedaliter
Fughetta super Wir glauben all’an einen Gott, BWV 681 – Manualiter

Vater unser in Himmelreich, BWV 682 (Our Father in Heaven) – Pedaliter
Vater unser in Himmelreich, BWV 683 – Manualiter

Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 684 (When Christ came to the Jordan) – Pedaliter
Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 685 – Manualiter

Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 686 (Out of the depths I cry to you) – Pedaliter
Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 687 – Manualiter

Jesus Christus, under Heiland, der von uns den Zorn Gottes wandt, BWV 688 – Pedaliter
            (Jesus Christ our Savior, who turned God’s Anger away from us)
Jesus Christus, under Heiland, der von uns den Zorn Gottes wandt, BWV 689 – Manualiter

Duetti I–IV, BWV 801–805

Fugue in E-flat major, BWV 552/ii