Christ lag in Todesbanden

Johann Ludwig Krebs (baptized 12 October 1713 – 1 February 1780) was a Baroque musician and composer.

Krebs was born in 1713 in Buttelstedt to Johann Tobias Krebs, a well-known organist. J. Tobias had at least three sons who were considered musically talented, and J. Ludwig was sent to Leipzig to study organ, lute, and the violin. He was privileged enough to be taught by Johann Sebastian Bach on the organ. Bach (who had also instructed J. Ludwig's father) held Krebs in high standing. From a technical standpoint, Krebs was unrivaled next to Bach in his organ proficiency. However, it was quite difficult for Krebs to obtain a patron or a post at any cathedral. This can be attributed to the fact that by this time the Baroque tradition was being left behind in favor of the new galant music style. This point in time also marked the transition to the classical music era, with composers such as Bach's son, C.P.E. Bach.

Krebs took a small post in Zwickau, and later in 1755 (five years after the death of Bach, which is normally referred to as the end of the Baroque period) he was appointed court organist of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg under Prince Friedrich. Krebs was so desperate at the time that he did not work for money but instead for food to feed his family (including seven children). Despite never holding a significant post, never being a court composer, and never being commissioned for a work, Krebs was able to compose quite a significant collection of works, though few were published until the 1900s.

"Christ lag in Todesbanden" comes from
"Clavier-Übung, Part 1", first published in 1744. The score, originally written in 24/16, on 2 staves, is very nicely edited by P. Gouin, now written on 3 staves and in 4/8.

The music is attached.