Partita über den Choral “Hinunter ist der Sonne Schein” (1999)

Andreas Willscher (b. 1955) — Partita über den Choral “Hinunter ist der Sonne Schein” (1999) for organ

Partita über den Choral “Hinunter ist der Sonne Schein” (1999) is based on the chorale melody (1609) by Melchior Vulpius, written for an evening hymn text (1560) by Nikolaus Hermann. The partita is in seven movements, with the final movement being cast in two very contrasting halves.

Sunk is the sun’s last beam of light,
And darkness wraps the world in night;
Christ! light us with thy heavenly ray,
Nor let our feet in darkness stray.

Thanks, Lord, that Thou throughout the day
Hast kept all grief and harm away;
That angels tarried round about
Our coming in, and going out.

Whate’er of wrong we've done or said,
Let not on us the charge be laid;
That through thy free forgiveness blest,
In peaceful slumber may we rest.

Thy guardian angels round us place,
All evil from our couch to chase;
Both soul and body, while we sleep,
In Safety, gracious Father, keep.

Nikolaus Hermann (ca. 1500–1561)
English translation by Frances Elizabeth Cox (1812–1897)

Published by Dr. J. Butz Musikverlag in “Willscher: Orgelwerke, Band 3” (http://www.butz-verlag.de)