Prelude, Versets, Final - Tonus Octavus - Chorale Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr

Johann Ernst Eberlin (1702–1762) was an important Austrian composer and organist of the late Baroque period. He was a contemporary and teacher of the Mozarts. His life story bears similarities to that of Leopold Mozart: initial musical training at the Jesuit College of St. Salvator in Augsburg; studies in jurisprudence in Salzburg, which were cut short; entry into the service of the Archbishops of Salzburg, first as court and cathedral organist, and later as Kapellmeister. His four daughters became locally known as musicians, composers, and singers. Eberlin’s extensive oeuvre had a significant influence on the musical world of his time, as it bridged the gap from the strict contrapuntal style of the late Baroque to the gallant, song-like elements of the early Classical period. His 9 Toccate e fughe for organ are masterful, as are his numerous short preludes, postludes, and versets. From his 65 Preludes, Versets, and Finales in the eight church modes, I have selected those in the Tonus Octavus. According to the so-called alternatim practice, the Prelude was played as introduction, the Versets alternated with the chorale stanzas and the singing, and the Finale provided the solemn conclusion, which gave organ music a prominent place in the church service. The chorale in this recording is “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr” („All Glory Be to God on High“) in versions by various composers.
0:00 Praeludium, Chorale: J. S. Bach
2:37 Versus 1, Chorale: N. Decius
4:28 Versus 2 contrarius, Chorale: F. W. Zachau
6:18 Versus 3, Chorale: Protestant Organ Book
9:03 Versus 4, Chorale: C. H. Rinck
12:00 Versus 5, Chorale: Hymn Book Doerffel
14:00 Versus 6, Chorale: J. S. Bach
16:17 Versus ultimus contrarius, Chorale: J. S. Bach
18:28 Finale

Version w/o Chorale:
https://youtu.be/agMVIOUmlzU
https://www.youtube.com/@rwsonic/videos