The Chorale-Prelude: O, Mensch is taken from Bach's Orgelbüchlein collection. Grainger created the setting between 1937 and 1942. While not unusual today, his beautiful realization of the ornamentation was revolutionary in the 1940's. Grainger's written out trills and melodic ornamentation may appear intricate, however, once basic rhythm is established, simple repetition will allow graceful synchronization of these elements. Perform the ornaments as a natural part of the melodic tone-line. Play the quick notes and the long ones with matching sonority. Support legato phrases with resonant breath that flows equally through ornament and melody. The ornaments must never interfere with the flowing legato of the musical line. Grainger's Bach is not a mechanical organ, but rather a human wind-chorale.
Parts included in set:
- Score
- Strand A in Bb (for Soprano Saxophone or Clarinet)
- Strand B in Eb (Alto Saxophone)
- Stand C in Eb (Alto Saxophone)
- Strand C in Bb (Tenor Saxophone)
- Strand D in Eb (Baritone Saxophone)
- Strand D in Bb (Bass Saxophone)
