We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land (Wir pflügen)

I was always try to include at least one hymn in my organ review recordings. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in America, it seemed like a good choice to include a Thanksgiving (Harvest) Hymn.

Since the Hill organ began life in England, before moving to Berlin, a German harvest hymn that is sung in England (and the US!) seemed like the obvious choice!

The tune, "Wir pflügen" (We plow) was composed by Johann Abraham Peter Schulz (1747-1800). The text by Matthias Claudius (1740-1815) is usually sung with the fine translation by Jane M. Campbell (1817-1878).

I've deliberately done this in a very straightforward manner, wanting to call attention to the sounds of the organ, and not a fancy accompaniment.

The brief introduction is played upon the Choir tuba.

The first verse is played upon the full Great chorus work, up to and including the mixture.

The second verse is played upon varying degrees of the full Swell, coupled to the Great 8' diapasons.

The final verse builds through the full Swell coupled to the Great chorus, reaching pretty much full organ at the end.

The score is attached below, as well as drawings of the text author, Matthias Claudius, and one of the translator, Jane Campbell.

The full text is given in the First Comment.

The review of the Hill organ sample set by Sonus Paradisi will be featured in "The Barde" very soon! I hope you will read and enjoy it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to ALL! :-)