Das alte Jahre vergangen ist, BWV 614

It seems pretty clear in this setting of "Das alte Jahre vergangen ist" (The old year has passed away), that Bach is struggling with its departure.

Whether it is pain, or grief, or worry, he seems very ill-at-ease, and each chromatic note "pulls out" more agony.

However, life is precious, and at the very end he seems reluctant to let the old year go, as he prolongs it as long as possible...

I've taken a very simple approach to the registration in this performance.

For the cantus, I've played upon the Hoofdwerk, using only the Prestant 8'.

The accompaniment is played upon the Bovenwerk II, and I've used only the Salicionaal 8'.

The Pedal is uncoupled, and uses only the Subbass 16' and the Gedakt 8'.

It seems fitting to end the year with the work of the Master.

I wish every one success and happiness in the soon-to-be-here New Year!