Pedigree:For the following selections the choral parts are original, but the double choir parts have been compressed into one chorus. Also, the German is original, but the English translation is by Catherine Winkworth. Performance Notes:The playback for this selection has been rendered by using the tools provided by Finale to generate MP3 files. Finale has only one setting for Organ parts, namely full hauptwerk. This is unfortunate because it gives a false indication of the registration for this selection right off the bat. The registration for this attached piece is tricky. Bach starts the work on a very somber note, in E minor. But, after several measures, the orchestral parts begin to creep upward into the tenor and soprano ranges. The more I worked on this orchestral reduction the more it became clear that the best registration would be to use 8' tone, light principals with flutes and/or strings. The reason is that orchestral instruments play naturally in 8' only and Bach was trying to add color by writing the parts up high. The organ part reflects this of course. So no upperwork! |
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| Selection | Key | Instrument | Dependant Files |
Comments |
| Opening Chorus | E Minor | Organ, SATB Chorus with Soprano Boy Choristers |
MP3 Audio File | . |
Performance Notes:There are 4 files in this section for "O Mensch", plus an MP3 Audio file. The organ part has been broken out as an aid to the performer to keep the page turning down to a manageable level. Also there are manuscripts in F-major as well as E-major, the original key. If one wishes to render a clean performance with a minimum of blemishes, F-major would be preferable even though the chorus might have to work a little harder. Although Bach preferred E-Major, one is left with a forest of sharps to negotiate, perhaps unnecessarily. The subject for "O Mensch" is Original Sin, a very ponderous subject indeed. But the music is very upbeat and sprightly. The orchestral part contrasts flutes against strings combined with oboes. So, the organ part is written so that the right hand should play on a keyboard with flute stops drawn, while the left hand plays on a keyboard with strings and celestes drawn. The organ part is fairly athletic and you will find that the hands will cross over each other frequently. You should experiment with this to see what is more comfortable. The music has a lot of repeated notes in the right hand, and in places the left hand is playing material that should be broken for accent. So, legato really is not going to work too well. Don't be afraid to rely on the acoustics of the church to bind things together. I would recommend listening to one of the recordings of this selection before performing it. My comment about Finale's Organ syntheciser still applies. Although it sounds surprizingly good here, all this proves is that the music of Bach sounds good no matter what instrument it is played on, provided you exercize reasonable care. If possible stick with the registration suggestions above. |
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| O Mensch Bewein Dein Sunde Gross | E Major | Organ, SATB Chorus | . | Original Key |
| O Mensch Bewein Dein Sunde Gross | E Major | ORGAN PART ONLY | . | Original Key difficult to play |
| O Mensch Bewein Dein Sunde Gross | F Major | Organ, SATB Chorus | MP3 Audio File | Half Tone Higher |
| O Mensch Bewein Dein Sunde Gross | F Major | ORGAN PART ONLY | . | Half Tone Higher easier to play |