BWV1092 features a striking opposition between fast (semiquaver and demisemiquaver) embellishments that underpin the chorale, and the four-part hymn-like texture of conventional chorale harmonization. It is tempting to see in this contrast a symbolic reference to the spheres of the earth (with its ‘struggle’) and eternity (with its ‘rest’) that is central to the text of the chorale’s first verse. In any case, the musical result of this opposition is a catalogue of chorale embellishments, creating almost a miniature chorale partita. Note the characteristic echo effects at the start and end of the chorale, the latter playing around with the inflection of the chorale melody’s D/D sharp to provide a sense of momentum to the final embellished cadence.

from notes by George Parsons © 2017