Christum wir sollen loben schon

Daniel Erich (1649 - 1712) was a German organist and composer. He studied with Buxtehude and became organist at the parish church in Güstrow (also the Marienkirche) in 1679, a position he held until his death. Besides organist Erich also enjoyed a high reputation as an organ teacher and authority on the instrument. Until the discovery of the Neumeister manuscript only three of his compositions were known. The Neumeister contained an new work by his hand, the prelude to "Christum wir sollen loben schon". It is a fantastic work that brings something unique to the genre of the choral prelude. It has a virtuosic introduction after which the choral melody is played with bass voice. Erich bases the accompaniment on the other three voices on the first phrase of the choral melody. With its repeated noted and the sixteenth motive it creates a strong pulse that drives the piece onwards. Combine that with some unusual harmonies and you have a unique piece.

Score available here: http://partitura.org/index.php/daniel-erich-christum-wir-sollen-loben-schon/