Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, BWV 1099

Today, March 21st is the 332nd birthday of the GREAT J. S. Bach!

I haven't been playing much Bach lately, but I didn't want the day to pass without at least a small tribute.

This prelude comes from the "Neumeister Collection," which was "discovered" in 1985. The English translation reads: "From deep affliction I cry out to you."

It's an interesting piece, but I'm struck by just how "unafflicted " that the piece sounds, due no doubt to the nature and character of the chorale melody.

Instead of being afflicted and woeful, it has some neat "cuckoo effects" towards the end!

Not claiming any scholarly knowledge about these chorales, I will only state the authorship by our beloved Johann Sebastian is not definite. Still, I think this piece bears a lot of his fingerprints, even though it's a bit "unusual" in a few of its details.

At any rate, a VERY HAPPY 332 birthday, J. S. Bach!

You have changed our lives and inspired us to greater things!

Your memory is a blessing!