Partita: O Heiland, reiß die Himmel auf

Johannes Weyrauch (1897–1977) studied music at the conservatory in Leipzig under S. Karg-Elert and S. Krehl. His first compositions were still written in late romantic style.

He then came into contact with the German Youth Movement of the 1920s, whose striving for a musical Renaissance echoed his efforts to find a “new essence” in music. He began employing clear diction on a tonal basis, refraining from bizarre melodies, harmonic stimulation and fascinating rhythms.

Slowly but surely, sacred music became the main focus of his work. His initial large organ works took a back seat as Weyrauch was appointed to church office and consequently had to devote his time to vocal music. In addition to numerous smaller compositions to be performed during services, he wrote several vocal masses, the Passion of St. John, cantatas, and motets.

If you like his music, you will find more recordings on CCH, e.g. another two partitas:

http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/20735
http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/19672