Weihnachts - Pastorale unter Verwendung des Liedes "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen"

Until yesterday, I had never heard of the name of Carl Sattler before. I only "discovered" him when I saw that one of his works will feature in part of the prelude organ recital at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, to be performed later today at King's College, Cambridge.

I have very little information on the composer, but he was born on December 1, 1874 and died on November 2, 1938. It appears that he spent the bulk of his life in Köln.

"Weihnachts-Pastorale unter Verwendung des Liedes 'Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen'" was published in 1920 as part of Sattler's "Orgelschule."

It is a charming work to be sure, and features the charming tune, "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen". This melody first appears in the "Speyer Hymnal," which was printed in Cologne in 1599.

The work at hand features this lovely melody, but in a slightly different version than I think most of us are familiar with.

I'm pretty sure that there is another melody also used in the work, and the one that comes to mind is Karl Leuner's "Shepherd's Cradle Song," but that might just be my imagination. :-)

At any rate, it's hard not to fall under the sway of this peaceful and lilting little gem. In these days, peace is a very precious gift.

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Carl Sattler.

Tomorrow: Basil Harwood's monumental work, "Christmastide," composed for Sir Herbert Brewer and the re-opening of the organ of Gloucester Cathedral in 1920.

I wish all my listeners and friends, and all our members and a visitors a very Merry Christmas and the best of life and health in the new year.

It has been a very difficult time for me dealing with all aspects of the battle against cancer. I'm glad to be able to share this small work with you, and hope that you'll take the time to listen to the Harwood.

Peace to All!