The chorale prelude for organ (BWV 639), which is the basis for this arrangement, appears in the Little Organ Book. The preludes in that book were written between 1708 and 1717. This short, emotionally powerful piece would be ideal in a church or memorial service. The bowings, fingerings and tempo are the arranger's suggestions.

I first heard this music in the older version of the sci-fi film, Solaris, in which it imparts a mournful mood of loss and isolation. Click below to listen to a recording:

-Charles Jacot

The text for the hymn appears below:

Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ,
Ich bitt, erhör mein Klagen,
Verleih mir Gnad zu dieser Frist,
Lass mich doch nicht verzagen;
Den rechten Glauben, Herr, ich mein,
Den wollest du mir geben,
Dir zu leben,
Meinem Nächsten nütz zu sein,
Dein Wort zu halten eben.

I call to You, Lord Jesus Christ,
I beg You, hear my cries,
grant me mercy at this time,
do not let me despair;
the true faith, Lord, I mean
that You would give me,
to live for You,
to be of use to my neighbor,
to keep Your word faithfully.