The Chorale Prelude ‘Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’, BuxWV184 is based on the melody associated with Luther’s paraphrase of Psalm 46 (‘God is our hope and strength: a very present help in trouble’). Thought to have been adapted by him from a plainsong source, it was published with the text in 1531. Richly ornamented, the melody is given as usual to the right hand, the relatively simple three-voice accompaniment to the left hand and feet.
from notes by Relf Clark © 2008
