Mit Fried' und Freud' ich fahr dahin, BWV 616

"Mit Fried' und Freud ich fahr' dahin", BWV 616, is for the Feast of the Purification (Presentation)/Candlemas - the feast that the Church observes today, February 2nd.

From the Orgelbüchlein, this prelude is characterized by R.D. Darrell as one of the "most intimately and touchingly lyrical of all these tone poems."

German organist Albert Riemenschneider, in the notes to his edition wrote: "If played in just the right tempo and atmosphere this beautiful prelude neer fails to create an excellent impression. The tenor and alto parts are dominated by the joy motive and the bass proceeds in the step motion portraying faith."

The Novello edition says: "One of the most intimate Bach works, this prelude is a perfect expression of the joy of the "Nunc dimittis".

I've kept the registration simple, and included the chorale for those (like myself!) who are unfamiliar with the melody.

I found that I played it a little quicker and lighter in touch than I initially intended, but both tempo and touch felt correct.

The text, as translated by C.S. Terry, of the first verse of the chorale is as follows:

In peace and joy I now depart
For God has call-ed.
I trust to Him with soul and heart,
Calm, prepar-ed.
God doth e'er His promise keep,
And death's a few years' sleeping.