Johann Pachelbel’s lilting 12/8
Prelude on ‘Vom Himmel hoch’ sets the tune in the pedals against two manual parts, which treat each line of the chorale in dialogue. High-sounding stops emphasize the dancing quality of the piece, while the angels’ tidings to the shepherds are greeted on the last note by the nightingale, a suitably festive jeu d’esprit.
from notes by Stephen Westrop © 1997
