Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot, BWV 678

The magnificent "Dies sind die heiligen zehn Gebot (à 2 Clav. et Ped., Canto fermo in Canone)" was first published in "Clavier-Übung III (No.11)" in 1739. It is a fully mature Bach work.

"Dies sind die heilgen zehn Gebot" (These are the holy Ten Commandments) is a hymn by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther based on the Ten Commandments. It appeared first in 1524 in the "Erfurt Enchiridion."

The reformer Martin Luther wrote the hymn in twelve stanzas of four lines each as a catechetical setting of the Ten Commandments. The commandments were used for confession and for instructions. After an introduction, stanzas 2 to 10 are related to the ten commandments; 11 and 12 provide a conclusion, related to Jesus.

The hymn also appeared in Johann Walter's choral hymnal "Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn" in 1524.

Despite the fact that there are a number of excellent performances already uploaded on the Concert Hall, I have to confess that it is rather "new" to me. It is an exquisite piece.

The left hand, with it's steady and unyielded setting of the melody in canon with itself at the octave must surely represent the Almighty voice of God, while the highly elaborate and decorative upper parts weave their way in and around the tune. Perhaps this is symbolizing the "loving purposes of God," as many writers have spoken of.

The score is attached below, as well as a likeness of the hymn's first appearance in "Erfurt Enchiridion. of 1524.

I dedicate this performance to those who have recorded this work previously, and to all of my listeners and friends.

I wish you all peace.