Bach - Stravinsky: Chorale Variations 'Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her' (1956) 15'

for chorus and orchestra

Music Text  
(G)

Scoring
2.2.corA.0.2.dbn-0.3.3.0-harp-strings(vla.db)

Repertoire Note  
Envisioned as a companion piece to the Canticum Sacrum – the instrumental forces, excluding violins and cellos, are nearly identical – this set of five variations orchestrates music published for organ in 1748. The chorus sings the unharmonized chorale melody; the elaborately canonic instrumental lines – including some by Stravinsky – dance over and below.



Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to Boosey & Hawkes/Joseph Horowitz.