Wednesday 24 March 2021
Tune of the Day: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
by J.S. Bach, transcribed for flute and keyboard
“Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ” (German for “I call to you, Lord Jesus Christ”), BWV 639, is amongst J.S. Bach's most popular chorale preludes. It is part of Bach's Orgelbüchlein (“Little Organ Book”), a set of 46 chorale preludes for organ written between 1708 and 1717, when Bach served as organist to the ducal court in Weimar.
Pure in style, this ornamental chorale prelude has been described as “a supplication in time of despair”. It is sometimes played at funerals, and was notably played at the service for Princess Diana in 1997.
Thanks to Istvan from Hungary for suggesting this piece!