In the depths of grief, we often find ourselves searching for a deeper connection with God, for a lifeline, for something which will help us make sense of our loss. For me, music, and sacred music in particular, has often been that lifeline, offering a pathway to healing and understanding that transcends words. Among the vast repertoire of emotionally resonant music, Bach's chorale prelude Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 659 stands as a particularly poignant example of how a perfect marriage of music and meaning can guide through the darkest valleys of mourning.
This Advent chorale prelude is set to hymn Savior of the Nations, Come which can be found in the Glory to God hymnal under No. 102. The second stanza gives some background for the music:
From God’s heart the Savior speeds;
back to God his pathway leads;
out to vanquish death’s command,
back to reign at God’s right hand.
Bach wrote a few compositions based on the melody of this hymn. This one, however, is my favorite. The unbroken slow-paced movement of the bass line, interwoven with intricate counterpoint in the accompaniment, and adorned with a hauntingly gorgeous melody, creates a tapestry of sound that seems to embrace in a cocoon of contemplation.
The piece begins with a sense of mystery and longing, its undulating lines evoking the ebb and flow of grief itself. As the chorale unfolds, echoes of hope resonate amidst the melancholy. Bach's masterful use of harmonic tension and release mirrors the emotional journey of grappling with loss. There are moments of dissonance that feel almost unbearable, yet they always resolve, reminding that even in the deepest pain, there is the possibility of resolution and peace.
The slow, measured pace of BWV 659 encourages to sit with all the emotions, to acknowledge the grief rather than push it aside. In doing so, the music creates a safe space for reflection and remembrance. It's as if Bach understood that healing isn't about moving on, but about moving through—allowing ourselves to fully experience our sorrow as a pathway to eventual acceptance.
When navigating the turbulent waters of grief, immersing oneself in music, and especially such profound music as Bach's BWV 659, can be a form of therapy. Its rich textures and emotional depth provide a companion for the journey, a silent understanding presence that acknowledges the pain while gently guiding towards hope. In the end, this centuries-old composition reminds us of God’s promise of triumph of light over darkness and life over death, while the timeless power of music offers solace and the promise of healing, one note at a time.
