Sonate G-Dur - Abschiedslied

Sonata in G major “Abschiedslied” – Op.9 No.52

by Andreas Nieden (alias NeoBarock)
Melody: Justus Wilhelm Lyra  Text: Moritz Schauenburg
Instrument: Noeske Organ, Kassel-Niederzwehren

This sonata is conceived as a musical meditation on the well-known “Abschiedslied” by Justus Wilhelm Lyra – a simple yet profoundly moving hymn about transience, consolation, and inner peace.

In the spirit of NeoBaroque aesthetics, the work combines traditional contrapuntal form and structural clarity with a contemporary expressive language. Its four movements explore different perspectives on the idea of farewell:

1️⃣ Song movements I & II – two complementary interpretations of the hymn: the first intimate and contemplative, the second more colorful and expansive in expression.
2️⃣ Chorale setting – a meditative elaboration in baroque style, merging ornamentation with serene lyricism.
3️⃣ Four-voice fugue – a concluding contrapuntal movement, unfolding from the chorale motif and leading into a peaceful coda.

The recording was made on the Noeske Organ in Kassel-Niederzwehren, whose transparent voicing and warm foundation stops provide the ideal setting for this NeoBaroque sound world.

Rather than a piece of mourning, “Abschiedslied” is a quiet act of letting go — a gentle “Adieu” framed in the language of baroque form and modern emotion.