Komm heiliger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 199

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Many scholars and theologians have come to call this day the "birthday" of the Church. People wear read to symbolize the flame of the Holy Spirit, and we hear in the Gospel of tongues of fire and a sound from heaven, as that of a rushing, mighty wind.

It was with these dramatic and vivid images that I did my performance of Buxtehude's great Pentecost chorale prelude, "Komm heiliger Geist, Herre Gott, BuxWV 199".

We recently had a lovely performance of this piece by ajongbloed, whose interpretation was lyrical and more intimate. There are other fine performances of this piece on the Concert Hall.

I guess my performance is more "brash"! It is anything but intimate or introspective, and the cantus firmus played on a combination of the Hoofdwerk's Trompete, Tertian, and Principals is sharp and fiery. The sound is almost "French," and the piece is greatly ornamented.

Even the accompaniment, played on the Principals 8', 4' & 2' of the Rugwerk gets a goodly amount of added ornaments.

The Pedal is played upon Principals 16', 8'. & 4', and the Temperament is meantone (1/4). This really adds to the "aggressive" effect, but I was reluctant to use something that was not the REAL sound of the organ... ;-)

Happy Pentecost to All! May the Holy Spirit fill our lives with goodness and holy energy! :-)