Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

Today (January 6th) is the great feast of the Epiphany. The day we commemorate the journey of the Three Kings.

It is also the day that officially marks the "end" of Christmas.

Scholars now tell us that the three kings weren't kings at all, but were probably astronomers. However, nothing can replace the images in art of the three kings - elegant, regal, noble. All gazing upon the Infant King with awe and wonder.

The season of Epiphany is also marked by the "light" and "brightness" of the Star, and so, the hymn, "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How brightly shines the Morning-Star" is a standard favorite of the season.

This setting of "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" is quite an unusual one. It is somewhat tricky to play, but is worth the effort.

Ernst Köhler (1799-1847) was born in Langenbielau, and died in Breslau, where he had been Organist of St. Elizabeth's Church.

This performance features the Trompet of the Hauptwerk, reinforced with the foundation stops 8', including the Quintadena for the cantus, and the accompaniment is played upon the Positiv Flutes 8' and 4' with the Salicional 8' reinforcing the texture. The Pedal uses the Subbaß 16' and the Octavbaß 8' and Violonbaß 8'.

For more of Köhler's works, please see: http://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Köhler,_Ernst

The score for this work is attached below.