Jesus, meine Zuversicht

Christian Fink (1831-1911) studied at the Leipzig Conservatory from 1853-1855, and then continued his study with Johann Schneider in Dresden. He lived in Lepizig until 1860, where he appeared in many concerts, and was highly regarded as a performer and teacher. In 1860 he moved to Esslingen, where he was appointed teacher of music in the seminary, and musical director and organist of the principal church there. He wrote a number of organ works, including four sonatas.

"Jesus, meine Zuversicht" is the first of "Fünf Choralorspiele," and is written in trio form. Marked to be played "Andante," the piece "walks along" calmly, with the choral melody in the tenor voice, and marked, "Trompete 8", which is here played on the Choir Trumpet. The piece has a nice feeling of light-hearted confidence, created by the syncopations and stepping bass part in the pedals.

I will play this today as part of a recital, "Music of the German Romantics," featuring five chorale preludes, as well as Sonatas by Mendelssohn and Rheinberger. This setting will contrast with one by Forchhammer.

This piece is published in "The Mendelssohn School," edited by Wayne Leupold, and published by McAfee in 1978.