Sieben Passions-Vorspiele, Op. 39

Wilhelm Rudnick (December 30, 1850 in Damerkow - August 7, 1927) was a German church musician and composer.

He came from a Pomeranian peasant family, and attended teacher training in Bütow from 1868-1871. From 1873 he was educated at the Academic Institute for Sacred Music in Berlin and at the New Academy of Music by Theodor Kullak. In 1879, Rudnick first became the first organist at the Bartholomew Church in Berlin, and in the same year he became organist at the Dom St. Marien in Landsberg on the Warta. During this time he gave music lessons at the Gymnasium, led a music school and was conductor of the Singakademie and a men's singing club. In 1891 he went to the Peter and Paul Church in Liegnitz as organist, and was appointed Royal Music Director four years later, before retiring in 1919.

These "Seven Passion-Preludes" were published by Verlag Feuchtinger und Gleichauf, Regensburg, in 1900. They are dedicated to "Herrn Kgl. Seminarlehrer G. Merk."

These works appear to be liturgically oriented, and probably intended to be played as individual preludes, perhaps at a service of the "Seven Last Words" of Jesus on Good Friday.

In this performance, I've combined them into a sort of "suite," and the effect is quite good.

The pieces, are expressive, sincere, and devout. A variety of textures, styles, and colors can be heard.

The individual timings of the chorales are as follows:

1. Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du
verbrochen? 0:00
2. Marter Gottes - Herr und Aeltster 1:38
3. Marter Gottes, wer kann dein vergessen
- 3:35
4. O du Liebe meine Leibe 5:09
5. O Haupt voll Blut 6:55
6. O Lamm Gottes unschuldig 10:27
7. O Traurigkeit 12:34

These relatively short pieces, when combined, provide a fine meditation upon the last Words of the Savior.

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of Wilhelm Rudnick. In addition, there are several photos at churches where he served. (I THINK these are correct, but translating was difficult.)