John Browning plays "Ich ruf zu dir" - in memory of JFK - LIVE - 11-22-63

The American pianist, John Browning, was scheduled to give a recital at William & Mary College on 22 November 1962. On that day in Dallas, President Kennedy was shot and killed. That evening Browning did proceed with his concert and changed the program to befit the occasion. The audience stood out of respect during this opening piece on the program -- Bach's chorale prelude, "Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ", BWV 639.

Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ,
I call to you, Lord Jesus Christ,
Ich bitt, erhör mein Klagen,
I pray, hear my lamentation,
Verleih mir Gnad zu dieser Frist,
bestow your grace on me at this time,
Laß mich doch nicht verzagen;
do not let me despair;
Den rechten Glauben, Herr, ich mein,
I think that I have the right faith, Lord,
Den wollest du mir geben,
which you wanted to give me,
Dir zu leben,
to live for you,
Meinm Nächsten nütz zu sein,
to be useful to my neighbour,
Dein Wort zu halten eben.
to keep your word properly.

(translation courtesy of Francis Browne)

The recording is from the four volume "John Browning Edition", and the copyright is held by Elizabeth Browning Witchey.

Also with John Browning:
http://www.youtube.com/user/kadoguy2006#grid/user/26155E5AB346019F

Category:

Music

Tags:

• assassination
• JFK
• orgelbüchlein
• organ
• music
• choral
• prelude
• Levintritt

[vova47]

One of the best American Pianist ever....

I always admired him, thanks for sharing!

[uhartchristian]

better understanding for the translation would be:

bestow your grace on me during this limited time and to keep your word though.

[paulprocopolis]

That must have been a very special concert, and Browning's tribute to the president is moving. Despite his slow tempo, the pianist holds on to and shapes the melodic line.