View source for Lob sei dem allmächtigen Gott (BWV 602)

from Das [[Orgelbüchlein]] by [[Johann Sebastian Bach]]

==Background==

The melody of this Advent chorale derives from the Gregorian hymn "Conditor alme siderum." Although the original tune is in the phyrgian mode, only the final phrase of the ''Orgelbuchlein'' setting contains "phyrgian" harmonies, with a final on A, harmonized as an A-major chord. The second phrase of the tune ends exactly like the last, but the cadence there is in F major. In the opening phrase, Bach disguises the melody's phrygian character by rewriting the two B-flats as B-naturals.<ref>Stinson, Russell, "BACH: ''The Orgelbuchlein''Schirmer Books, New York (1996), 105.</ref><BR>
<BR>
For the most part this hymn expresses the joy and thankfulness felt by the world when Christ was born. The motive which Bach employed, effectively captures these themes.<ref>Boehnke, Paul B., ''Diapason'' March 1985, Vol. 76, 10.</ref><BR>
<BR>The English translation of the text by Michael Weisse is as follows:<BR>
<blockquote>Praise to the almighty God,<BR>
who has had mercy on us<BR>
and sent us His beloved Son,<BR>
born from Him on the highest throne.<BR>
<BR>
O great grace and goodness!<BR>
O deep love and gentleness!<BR>
God performs a work for which no man<BR>
or angel can thank Him enough</blockquote><ref>''Johann Sebastian Bach: Orgelbuchlein.'' Ed. Robert Clark and John David Peterson.  (St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 1984), 36.</ref><BR>

==Registration and Organs==
A lighter registration of flues at 8' and 4' in the manual and at 16' and 8' in the pedal, can effectively serve the musical qualities of the prelude."<ref>''Johann Sebastian Bach: Orgelbuchlein.'' Ed. Robert Clark and John David Peterson.  (St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 1984), 34.</ref><BR>
Example:<blockquote>8' Gemshorn, 4' Octave in Manuals<BR>
16' Lieblich Gedeckt, 8' Principle (or 8' Flute) in Pedal</blockquote>

''See the footnote in the "Notes" section at the bottom of the page'' <ref>This footnote was entered in the "Registration and Organs" article.</ref>

==Fingering and Pedaling==
The pedal part consists of three extended descending lines, the ideal of ''catabasis'', which might refer to Christ's descent from heaven in the Nativity.<ref>Boehnke, Paul B., ''Diapason'' March 1985, Vol. 76, 10.</ref><BR>
Play the pedal part with alternating toes.  Pay attention to the break you make between the octave leaps, and the break that happens following the ties quarter note and sixteenth note.

==Articulation and Phrasing==
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==Ornamentation==
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==Tempo and Meter==
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==Scores and Editions==
[http://www.wayneleupold.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=bach+orgelbuchlein&x=23&y=8 Historical Organ Techniques and Repertoire, Volume 2, J.S. Bach—Basic Organ Works (ed. Quentin Faulkner)]
:Completely fingered in early fingering styles. Includes helpful information on the original chorales and performing the works.

[http://www.ohscatalog.org/jsbacor.html J. S. Bach: Orgelbuchlein (ed. Robert Clark and John David Peterson)]
:Includes helpful information on the original chorales and performing the works.

==Recordings==
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===Free Online===
[http://www.blockmrecords.org/bach/detail.php?ID=BWV0602 James Kibbie, 1717 Trost organ, St. Walpurgis, Großengottern, Germany], using Lieblich Gedackt 8, Principal 4 in the Positiv; Subbass 16, Bordun 8, Octave 4 in the Pedal.

===Pay to Listen===
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==Other Resources==
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==Notes==
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''This space is for automatic insertion of footnotes.  To enter a footnote from anywhere in the article, start by typing the tag <nowiki><ref> and then enter the text, and type the tag </ref></nowiki> to end the footnote. The footnote will then appear in this "Notes" section automatically.''