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Partita on 'Liebster Jesu'
By Anthony St. Pierre 1992
 
S A T B (optional sopranino, great bass)
 
 
Liebster Jesu (Dearest Jesus)

Originally for organ and in an essentially baroque style with elements of the preclassical, this partita (set of variations) arranged for SATB recorders is quite accessible to intermediate players. The tune (1664), by Johann Rudolph Ahle, is perhaps not as well known as some other Lutheran chorales, such as ‘Ein Feste Burg’ (A Mighty Fortress). Nevertheless, it appears in many current hymnals. It served as the basis for a few of Bach’s chorale settings for organ. The Swingle Singers recorded a vocal arrangement of one of them in the 1960s. Further notes are included with the score & parts. Duration: 8:30
-- Anthony St. Pierre
 
 
This very pleasing set of 7 variations on a beautiful hymn tune is easily accessible to intermediate players, especially Bach fans. The parts are marked SATB but Sopranino could work on one variation that is very high in the top line, and alternate low notes are occasionally provided for Great Bass on the bottom line. All the voices but the Bass get the hymn melody, and the harmonies are very sonorous throughout, with just a hint here and there of the composer’s penchant for accidentals and other surprises. A very satisfying piece of music for everyone!
-- Glen Shannon
 
 
No. of Recorder Parts:
4
Difficulty:
Moderate
Occasion:
Any
Libraries:
New Music for Recorder
Date Added:
11/17/2020
Style:
Social/Casual, Concert, Fast/Up-tempo, Laid-back/Slow, Tonal/Melodic, Variations/Fantasies/Adaptations, Neo-Renaissance/Baroque/Classical