Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BuxWV 196

Dieterich Buxtehude (c. 1637/39 – 9 May 1707) was a Danish organist and composer of the Baroque period, whose works for the organ represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire usually performed at recitals and church services.

As a composer who worked in various vocal and instrumental idioms, Buxtehude's style greatly influenced other composers, such as his student Johann Sebastian Bach. Historically, Buxtehude is among the important composers of the mid-Baroque period in Germany.

The tune, "Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ" first appeared in "Geistliche Lieder," published in 1553.

A representative translation of the first verse is this fine one by Miles Coverdale (1488-1659):

I call on thee, Lord Jesus Christ,
I have none other help but thee.
My heart is never set at rest
Till thy sweet word have comforted me.
And steadfast faith grant me therefore,
To hold by thy word evermore,
Above all thing, never resisting
But to increase in faith more and more.

We all know this fine tune from Bach's poignant setting, and I've always thought of this tune as being humble and penitential, but Buxtehude takes a different approach.

He sets his version in a much more fiery and impassioned manner. I've tried bring an element of "free rhapsody" to this and hope that I've been successful.

The score is attached below, as well as the only known portrait of Buxtehude, found in "A Musical Party," painted by Johannes Voorhout in 1674.

Buxtehude looks like one of those insufferably jolly sorts, doesn't he?!?

You know the type... ;-)

I've also included Buxtehude's signature, a picture of the Buxtehude House, and a plaque marking its significance.