Nun ruhen alle Wälder

Theofil Forchammer (1847-1923) was appointed organist of the Cathedral at Magdeburg in 1886, having succeeded the great August Ritter.

He was a highly regarded organist, and wrote over 1800 chorale preludes, of which only a small number where ever published. The bulk of his compositions were destroyed in World War II.

"Nun ruhen alle Wälder" is really an "elaborated hymn setting," and could be used as an actually sung chorale. Marked to be played "Moderato," this performace features the softer foundation stops with the dark color of the Swell Oboe peaking through from time to time.

This work is taken from the "Incognita Organo" series (Volume 37), which is still available from Harmonia.

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 van Eyken.