9.3 The chorale prelude and its development

The chorale prelude was a key genre in German Baroque organ music. It was based on Lutheran hymn tunes and served to introduce congregational singing or as standalone pieces. Composers used various techniques to present and elaborate on the chorale melody.

The genre evolved from simple settings in the early 17th century to complex works by later composers. J.S. Bach's chorale preludes represent the pinnacle of the form, showcasing intricate counterpoint, inventive ornamentation, and profound emotional depth.

The Chorale Prelude in German Baroque Organ Music

Role of chorale prelude

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  Lutheran Musical Heritage: Organ Chorale Preludes of Walther, Bach and Buxtehude : Anthony Mark ... View original

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  Choral Prelude on 'Surrey' (Rowley, Alec) - IMSLP: Free Sheet Music PDF Download View original

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  Chorale Prelude and Fugue on 'O Traurigkeit, o Herzeleid', WoO 7 (Brahms, Johannes) - IMSLP ... View original

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  Lutheran Musical Heritage: Organ Chorale Preludes of Walther, Bach and Buxtehude : Anthony Mark ... View original

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• Organ composition based on pre-existing chorale melody (Lutheran hymn tunes sung by congregation)
• Presents chorale melody (cantus firmus) in long notes in one voice while other voices provide contrapuntal elaboration and ornamentation around it
• Serves as introduction to congregational singing during church services by establishing key, meter, and mood of chorale
• Functions as standalone piece for organ recitals and concerts
• Central genre in German Baroque organ music showcasing composers' compositional skills and creativity

Development of chorale prelude

• Emerged in early 17th century coinciding with rise of Lutheran church music (works by Samuel Scheidt and Heinrich Scheidemann)
• Expanded in mid-17th century by composers like Franz Tunder and Dieterich Buxtehude introducing more complex contrapuntal techniques and expressive ornamentation
• Further developed in late 17th century by Johann Pachelbel using fugal techniques and canon
• Culminated in works of J.S. Bach representing pinnacle of genre in German Baroque era
  • Bach composed over 150 chorale preludes exploring wide range of compositional techniques and expressive possibilities
  • Known for intricate counterpoint, inventive ornamentation, and profound emotional depth

Compositional Techniques and Styles in Chorale Preludes

Techniques in chorale preludes

• Cantus firmus technique presents chorale melody in long notes, usually in soprano or bass voice, while other voices provide contrapuntal elaboration
• Ornamentation embellishes chorale melody with various ornaments and figurations (trills, mordents, turns, scalar runs) to highlight important words or phrases in chorale text
• Fugal techniques incorporate elements of fugue (imitation, subject-answer relationships) to introduce chorale melody or develop motives derived from it
• Bicinium uses two-voice texture with cantus firmus in one voice and more active counterpoint in the other
• Motet-style treats each phrase of chorale as separate point of imitation similar to motet
• Trio texture uses three independent voices often with cantus firmus in middle voice
• Ritornello form alternates between sections featuring chorale melody and freer, episodic passages

Composers' approaches to chorale preludes

• Samuel Scheidt and Heinrich Scheidemann use relatively simple, four-voice textures with cantus firmus in soprano and limited ornamentation and contrapuntal elaboration
• Franz Tunder and Dieterich Buxtehude employ more complex contrapuntal techniques (fugal expositions, imitative entries), greater ornamentation and figurations, and experiment with different textures (bicinium, trio)
• Johann Pachelbel frequently uses fugal techniques (canon, stretto) and tends towards clear, balanced formal structure
• J.S. Bach displays unparalleled variety and inventiveness in approach to chorale prelude composition
  • Masterfully uses all aforementioned techniques, often in combination
  • Profoundly expresses chorale text through musical symbolism and word-painting
  • Explores diverse textures from simple four-voice settings to complex, multi-sectional works