BWV 603 - Puer natus in Bethlehem Uploaded by: MrStone Composer: Bach, J. S. Organ: Laurenskerk - Main Organ - 1973 Marcussen & Son Software: Hauptwerk VI Views: 63
Two small choral preludes on the same melody by the two giants of Baroque: D. Buxtehude and J.S. Bach.
The approach of them to this choral prelude is quite different:
Buxtehude's prelude is peaceful and joyful.
Jesus has been born and is lying in his crib, watched by the loving eyes of his parents.
Sweet dreams; no worries.
Bach's view on this choral prelude is quite different. The mood in his prelude is rather dark.
The infant is in the protecting arms of his mother, who is gently rocking him, as can be heard in the two-by-two notes in the accompaniment.
The dark harmonies suggest that all will not be well in the future. This child will have a cross to bear.