BWV 545,1 - Praeludium in C-Maior Uploaded by: ESchoen Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) Organ: Laurenskerk - Main Organ - 1973 Marcussen & Son Software: Hauptwerk IV Views: 287
Johannes Brahms left very few works for organ, mainly a couple of preludes and fugues and a set of 11 Chorale Preludes. I've always had a hard time appreciating his chorale preludes because the chorale melody almost completely disappears in the settings by Brahms. I don't enjoy listening to them, and don't really enjoy playing them, either. Barbara Owen is giving a presentation next month to our local chapter of the American Guild of Organists on Brahms' organ works, so maybe I'll come away from that with a renewed appreciation for these words..
Anyway, I present here the chorale "Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen" (also known in English as "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"), first in its original harmonization by Michael Praetorius, followed by the Chorale Prelude by Johannes Brahms. Maybe you'll like it better than I do...