This is a setting of Luther’s last Christmas hymn, from 1543 (Williams 2003 p.251). The text features angels, describing their descent from heaven to the shepherds, an image perhaps reflected in the abundance of scale figures throughout. These are given plenty of rhythmic variety: semiquavers in the tenor line against slower crotchets in the pedals, with the alto filling in the harmony.

from notes by George Parsons © 2019