Jazz For Advent

This week I will be performing a prelude based upon Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland.  This melody was originally based upon a plainsong melody from the 14th century set to the St. Ambrose text "Veni redemptor gentium" written in the 4th century and loosely translated as:

I came Redeemer of the earth
Manifest thy virgin birth,
One would wonder for every generation,
Such a part it befits God

Nun Komm, Der Heiden Heiland is more commonly known from the Bach Chorale BVW 62/1 and from the Martin Luther hymn of 1524 which also bears this name.  It can now also be found in modern hymnals under the name Savior of the Nations, Come.

The tune is particularly suited as a prelude with a simple 8 bar melody divided equally into 4 two bar phrases in A minor.



There is great beauty in the simplicity of this melody which easily lends itself to both harmonic interpretation and improvisation.  I urge other Christian jazz artists to take a close look at this short gem and present it at one of your services some Advent season.