Advent and Christmas (90): variations on "Vom Himmel hoch" - 1. Overture

"Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her,
ich bring euch gute neue Mär,
der guten Mär bring ich so viel,
davon ich sing'n und sagen will."

Martin Luther (1534)


A few days ago (and one year ago) I posted variations on "Vom Himmel hoch" by Sietze de Vries (NL), which I have transcribed:

Version with Ahrend-organ Regensburg (pipeloops): https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/54191

Older version with Schnitger-organ Steinkirchen (Organ Art Media):
https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/50052

Sietze's phantastic improvisations inspired me to write down also some baroque style variations on Luther's well known Christmas carol. - I would like to introduce them to you till Christmas.

Today I want to start with a festive French overture: After repeating the first section, the chorale tune in semi breves occurs in the tenor voice (pedal) of the middle fugato section. Within the last section, the first line of the melody can be recognized in discant.

The score is attached for free download.