Es flog ein Täublein weisse

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Background

"Es flog ein Täublein weisse" [A white dove flew down from heaven] is a German folk song for the Advent season. The text celebrates the imminent coming of the Christ child and Mary's conception by the Holy Ghost.

The melody is in the soprano and the accompaniment consists of primarily scalewise moving eighth notes. The pedal employs downward leaps, which are thought to be symbolic of the descent of the Holy Messenger.[1]

Organ and Registration

This four voice, one page piece is written for one manual and pedal. No registration indications are given in the score of this piece. However, a general style can be inferred from the dynamic markings given by Schroeder, which range from piano to pianissimo. At the final cadence, the expression pedal can be used to achieve the diminuendo down to pianissimo.

Fingering and Pedaling

The octave jumps in the pedal part of this chorale are perhaps the most challenging technical element of the pedal line. Plan for each jump by prelocating, that is, placing your foot on the next note it will be playing as soon as it is free from the last one.

Additionally, observe the rests in the pedal line. This will aid in articulation and phrasing and also allow time for the feet to find their next notes. Ruth.eldredge 10:38, 3 February 2012 (MST)

Articulation and Phrasing

Ornamentation

Tempo and Meter

The tempo indication is Einfach, ruhig bewegt, or simple, moving quietly, and the meter is common time.

Resources

Scores

Schott/Hal Leonard 49003685

The Schott edition is available at Sheet Music Plus.

The Leonard edition is available in the collection Six Organ Chorales, published in North America. Purchasing information is available here.

Recordings

Bonnen plays..., Dietmar Bonnen, organist [1]
Organs in Cologne [2]
Hermann Schroeder Organ Works [3]

Free Online

Pay to Listen

Notes

  1. Amos, Emily Harriet. "The Cantus Firmus Organ Works of Hermann Schroeder." MM thesis, George Peabody College for Teachers, 1968, p. 2.