Bach: Ich ruf’ zu dir Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 | Matthew Parrella

One of the most well known from a selection of 12 choral preludes in Johann Sebastian Bach’s (1685-1750) Orgelbüchlein, this piece is one of my favorites that I’ve been fortunate to learn with my great professor Christopher Houlihan. The song feels like the exhausted plea of a soul who endured a tormenting exertion, yet I think it’s beautiful because there’s a weary hope that’s drawn through it. That sentiment comes across very differently on the two organs in Trinity College’s chapel (indicated with their company, location, and time of production at the beginning of each section). I love what both of them add to the prelude so I thought I’d share both in one video. I hope you enjoy! German Text: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ! Ich bitt, erhör mein Klagen; verleih mir Gnad zu dieser Frist, lass mich doch nicht verzagen. Den rechten Glauben, Herr, ich mein, den wollest du mir geben, dir zu leben, mein’ m Nächsten nütz zu sein, dein Wort zu halten eben. English Translation (Johann Agricola): I call to You, Lord Jesus Christ! I beg, hear my complaint! Grant me grace at this time; let me not despair! The pure faith, Lord, I wish that You would give me: to live to You, to help my neighbor, and to keep Your Word faithfully. 0:00 Introduction Excerpt from “Fanfare 1823“ by carillonneur Ellen Dickinson 0:25 Austin Organ Stop Selection: [Pedal] Viole De Gambe (Swell Left) 8, Bourdon 8, Bourdon 16; [Swell Left (Swell to Positiv)] Voix Humaine 8, Sesquialtera II, Tremulant, Octavian 2, Flûte Octaviante 4, Flûte à Cheminée 8; [Great] Great to Great 16, Flûte Conique 4, Great Unison Off, Tremulant, Octave 4 4:00 Nicholson Organ Stop Selection: Stopped Flute 8, Italian Principal 8 Download Free Sheet Music (PDF):