Bach, Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for this video

Q: What instrument is that?
A: It is a clavichord. Or, more precisely, it is a sampled clavichord (from Post Instruments). I picked the clavichord because I'd read that Bach composed this piece on his death bed (and dictated it to somebody, since he was blind at that point), and I figured that if he heard it performed, it might have been on that instrument (since a clavichord, being small and quiet, was considered a good "bedroom instrument").

Q: What is the BWV number for this?
A: BWV 668

Q: How can I make this kind of movie?
A: Check out this:
www.musanim.com/player/

Q: The audio/video isn't very good; can I get the original?
A: Yes, you can get it here (you have to sign up, but then you can download it):
http://www.vimeo.com/211837

Q: What does the title mean?
A: "When we are in deepest need." It is from a hymn by Paul Eber, the melody from which Bach based this piece. Here are the lyrics (with an English translation following):

Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
Und wißen nicht, wo aus noch ein,
Und finden weder Hilf' noch Rat,
Ob wir gleich sorgen früh und spat:

So ist dies unser Trost allein,
Daß wir zusammen insgemein
Dich rufen an, o treuer Gott,
Um Rettung aus der Angst und Not.

Und heben unsre Aug'n und Herz
Zu dir in wahrer Reu' und Schmerz
Und suchen der Sünd' Vergebung
Und aller Strafen Linderung,

Die du verheißest gnädiglich
Allen, die darum bitten dich
Im Namen dein's Sohns Jesu Christ,
Der unser Heil und Fürsprech ist.

Drum kommen wir, o Herre Gott,
Und klagen dir all unsre Not,
Weil wir jetzt stehn verlaßen gar
In großer Trübsal und Gefahr.

Sieh nicht an unsre Sünde groß,
Sprich uns derselb'n aus Gnaden los,
Steh uns in unserm Elend bei,
Mach uns von allen Plagen frei,

Auf daß von Herzen können wir
Nachmals mit Freuden danken dir,
Gehorsam sein nach deinem Wort,
Dich allzeit preisen hier und dort!

(translation)

When in the hour of utmost need
We know not where to look for aid;
When days and nights of anxious thought
Nor help nor counsel yet have brought,

Then this our comfort is alone,
That we may meet before Thy throne
And cry, O faithful God, to Thee
For rescue from our misery.

To Thee may raise our hearts and eyes,
Repenting sore with bitter sighs,
And seek Thy pardon for our sin
And respite from our griefs within.

For Thou hast promised graciously
To hear all those who cry to Thee
Through Him whose name alone is great,
Our Savior and our Advocate.

And thus we come, O God, today
And all our woes before Thee lay;
For sorely tried, cast down, we stand,
Perplexed by fears on every hand.

Ah! hide not for our sins Thy face,
Absolve us through Thy boundless grace,
Be with us in our anguish still,
Free us at last from every ill.

That so with all our hearts we may
To Thee our glad thanksgiving pay,
Then walk obedient to Thy Word
And now and ever praise Thee, Lord.
.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bach
• chorale
• clavichord
• score
• scrolling
• animation
• music

[sasghn]

Is this what people called stacatto method of playing instrument?

[smalin]

@sasghn No.

[chapmmel]

Smalin, you should check out some of Yann Tiersin's work :) He is a fantastic composer and you're a fantastic pianist :) Give it a go!!!

[smalin]

Not much to my taste, sorry.

[artois54]

The piece we hear was composed decades before bach's death. He altered some notes hours before he died, but from this altered version the second half is lost. You can find the rest in the NBA (18 Choräle)

[smalin]

Hey, you're right. I didn't realize that. Thanks for the correction.

[ByrdWhiteMovie]

If anyone ever touched it, he would rise as zombie Beethoven & jab their pencil in their ears.

[Waytofindyourself]

Ok, i see, you are right. My fault ;)

[erroll9621]

@TheosAthanatos How nauseatingly mawkish.

[RemovdSande11]

amazing piece again.

[Enopione]

@sasghn I think it is called "staccato"

[jaryH3]

Is everything in that piece dis-harmonic?

[dubedition1111]

@sasghn This is more of a legato.

[UberMenschNowFilms]

This sounds oddly similar to a sitar.

[wenaolong]

I could swear that I've heard this piece before, but on a real harpsichord, especially on 0:43 to 0:51.