Es flog ein Täublein weisse

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 music is in four parts, for one manual and pedal, with the melody in the soprano line.

Organ and Registration

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. Additionally, Schroeder gives an indication for 'Einfach, ruhig bewegt,' or 'simple, moving quietly'.

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)

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]