A chorale arrangement for two manuals and pedals “Wie schön leuchtet uns der Morgenstern” of this period exists in MS. in the R. Library at Berlin, and seventeen variations on “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr” were in the possession of the late Dr Rust of Leipsic.
Visit to Lübeck
Towards the end of 1705 Bach determined to go to Lübeck to hear and study the style of Buxtehude, one of the greatest organists then living. He found a deputy, and having obtained one month’s leave of absence, started on foot, on the journey of over 200 miles, with the object of arriving in time to hear the “evening performances” at the Marienkirche, which took place in November and December, which were peculiar to Lübeck, and which Buxtehude had worked up to a high pitch of excellence. They consisted of sacred music both vocal and instrumental, with organ solos.[19]
Cited to Appear
Bach outstaid his leave of absence by some three months, and on his return to Arnstadt in February 1706 received a “citation” to appear before the Consistory to explain his conduct. The Consistory at the same time brought a charge against him of neglecting the training of the choir, and of introducing unseemly variations on the organ during the singing of the chorale, whereby the congregation were thrown into confusion; and they complained of the great length and unseemly figuration of his preludes to the chorales.
Bitter gives the whole of the report of this “citation,” in which the several charges are put to Bach and answered by him.
“The organist of the New Church, Bach, is required to say where he has been for so long of late, and from whom he received leave of absence?”
Ille.
“He has been to Lübeck in order to learn things connected with his art, but that he had previously asked permission from the Herr Superintendent.”