Schmücke dich (Brahms)

From Brahms' set of eleven chorale preludes published after his death. Played by Ian Ball on the Rieger organ of Clifton Cathedral, Bristol, England.

Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele,
Laß die dunkle Sündenhöhle,
Komm ans helle Licht gegangen,
Fange herrlich an zu prangen!
Denn der Herr, voll Heil und Gnaden,
Will dich jetzt zu Gaste laden;
Der den Himmel kann verwalten,
Will jetzt Herberg' in dir halten.
(Johann Franck, 1649)

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight's splendour,
There with joy Thy praises render.
Unto him whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded,
High o'er all the heav'ns He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.
(tr. Catherine Winkworth)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Brahms
• orgel
• orgue
• organ
• Ian Ball
• Clifton Cathedral

[speedstick77]

I really like this one. Now I have to find it and learn it. That's a really lovely principal stop you have chosen. Thank you for sharing!

[chamade16]

@speedstick77 : Thanks for your kind comment. I used both Hauptwerk 8' foundations for this (a rohrflöte and a principal) - such a lovely sound!

[EccentricRichard]

Very well-played. Pity about the organ - I got to know these works on a big 3m Father Willis and the relatively weak tone of this instrument, along with the incessant chiffing of that flute, grate rather. I've encountered various Rieger instruments and so far none have won me over. Also, is the acoustic at Clifton as dire as the building looks?

[chamade16]

@EccentricRichard: it is what it is. It's certainly not weak-toned. It has lots of presence in the building (despite the tutti not being large enough) and is beautifully voiced. The building, again, is what it is. It has some striking stained glass and wonderful, massive Stations of the Cross, sculptured in wet concrete, but is otherwise very plain. Until, that is, the liturgies, when it makes sense and is filled with colourful vestments, incense and music. The acoustic is great for singers.

[chamade16]

Thank you!

[esthetichaos]

Beautiful video! Well play