Advent and Christmas (12): "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" BuxWV 223

Philipp Nicolai wrote in 1597 text and melody of this charming choral as mystical bridal song and celebration tune of eternal life. The morning star and the bright groom is Jesus Christ.

Dietrich Buxtehude's extensive chorale fantasy includes two parts
with a variety of musical composition techniques which are thematically written more or lean less along the sections of the choral melody.

The first part contains beside sequencing episodes also free ones in the phantasticus stylus, also repetitions and echo sections.

The second part consists of a lively gigue-fugue, whose vocal parts are also derived from the chorale melody. The last short section, using pedal bass for the first time, leads the artistical work with a chorale quote to his brilliant conclusion.