Harmony in Bach: O Jesulein süß

Why I love this work of art

Non-chord tones help make this short work one of the most beautiful chorales.

J. S. Bach’s inner voice writing. The suspensions and non-chord tones. The expansion into the subdominant....

When I first sang this chorale with Monteverdi Chor München during their 2019 Christmas Concerts, I was immediately struck by the soft, almost tender way that this chorale melody is harmonized and presented. What was immediately clear was that this wasn't like an ordinary chorale. It seemed much more inspired, more unique, songlike. 

It wasn't until the choir and audience came together in a moment of focus and attention during a concert performance that I was able to truly hear what this piece can do, and subsequently fall in love with the piece. When I arrived back in NY that winter I transcribed it in an effort to understand it more deeply. 

The work is a masterclass on part writing: every voice is like a melody that is able to stand on its own. Like all chorales of Bach, the soprano voice carries the …