An utterly glorious piece befitting - in human terms, at least; all due respect, it would pale in comparison to the infinite, unending praise in heaven - the arrival of the Son of God, the King of the Universe and Savior of the world, who came to die a wretched death He didn't deserve, so that EVERY human being could be with Him in heaven unto eternity. The poetic text of the hymn (select stanzas below), written and composed by Martin Luther, is even more glorious, inspiring and edifying than the music: 1 "From heav'n above to earth I come to bear good news to ev'ry home: Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing: 2 "To you this night is born a child Of Mary chosen virgin mild; This little child of lowly birth Shall be the joy of all the earth. 3 "This is the Christ, our God Most High, Who hears your sad and bitter cry; He will Himself your Savior be From all your sins to set you free. 4 "He will on you the gifts bestow Prepared by God for all below, That in His kingdom, bright and fair, You may with us His glory share. 8 Welcome to earth, O noble Guest, Through whom the sinful world is blest! You came to share my misery That You might share Your joy with me. 9 Ah, Lord, thou You created all, How weak You are, so poor and small, That You should choose to lay Your head Where lowly cattle lately fed! 10 Were earth a thousand times as fair And set with gold and jewels rare, It would be far too poor and small A cradle for the Lord of all. 13 Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, A quiet chamber set apart For You to dwell within my heart. 14 My heart for very joy must leap; My lips no more can silence keep. I, too must sing with joyful tongue That sweetest ancient cradlesong: 15 Glory to God in highest heav'n, Who unto us His Son has giv'n! While angels sing with pious mirth A glad new year to all the earth. Thanks be to God.
Deceptively simple but showy! The 32-note runs are generally the same two patterns over and over, with the exception of a few raised tones here and there. Would be a good showpiece for a pianist transitioning to organ.
It's exactly the point. That's the French toccata style. Perhaps the acoustic instead has a more prominent part to play in completely transforming the character of the work?
That next to last chord….IV DIMINISHED VII/V is soooo cool.
What a MONUMENTAL undertaking to learn this piece! Bravo!
Terrific playing by Lucas, and a very enlightening piece.
If anybody knows which CD this comes from, I would love to know! Is that the West end "Royal Trumpets" towards the end?
bellissima
Stupendo
Wonderful. I once had the pleasure of hearing this live in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. It was also stupendous.
Superb❤
Beautiful 👌
An utterly glorious piece befitting - in human terms, at least; all due respect, it would pale in comparison to the infinite, unending praise in heaven - the arrival of the Son of God, the King of the Universe and Savior of the world, who came to die a wretched death He didn't deserve, so that EVERY human being could be with Him in heaven unto eternity.
The poetic text of the hymn (select stanzas below), written and composed by Martin Luther, is even more glorious, inspiring and edifying than the music:
1 "From heav'n above to earth I come
to bear good news to ev'ry home:
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:
2 "To you this night is born a child
Of Mary chosen virgin mild;
This little child of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
3 "This is the Christ, our God Most High,
Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.
4 "He will on you the gifts bestow
Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair,
You may with us His glory share.
8 Welcome to earth, O noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
You came to share my misery
That You might share Your joy with me.
9 Ah, Lord, thou You created all,
How weak You are, so poor and small,
That You should choose to lay Your head
Where lowly cattle lately fed!
10 Were earth a thousand times as fair
And set with gold and jewels rare,
It would be far too poor and small
A cradle for the Lord of all.
13 Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,
A quiet chamber set apart
For You to dwell within my heart.
14 My heart for very joy must leap;
My lips no more can silence keep.
I, too must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradlesong:
15 Glory to God in highest heav'n,
Who unto us His Son has giv'n!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad new year to all the earth.
Thanks be to God.
Deceptively simple but showy! The 32-note runs are generally the same two patterns over and over, with the exception of a few raised tones here and there. Would be a good showpiece for a pianist transitioning to organ.
a little meandering but still enjoyable
It's exactly the point. That's the French toccata style.
Perhaps the acoustic instead has a more prominent part to play in completely transforming the character of the work?
@@chronochromie772 - Excellent playing! I think you're spot on - this would be harder to pull off convincingly in a dry acoustic.
A piece people only ever play because of a single chord.
Sounds very difficult for my ears.