Johann Philipp Kirnberger, Es ist das Heil uns kommen her

by admin · April 8, 2016

The prelude on “Es ist das Heil uns kommen her” is a bicinium with the choral melody in long notes in the right hand and an elaborately worked out accompaniment in the left hand. Lots of trills and rapid notes give a vivid description of the celebrational character of the text of the chorale.
The manuscript has two alternative endings to the piece scribbled in the margin. Both alternative endings are presented in the score as well.

The recording was done by Andreas Osiander, who also made a video with more background about piece and composer.