Bach Allein Gott in der Ho h sei Ehr BWV 662 Smits, Netherlands Bach Society

It was not often that Bach gave an indication of tempo in his chorale arrangements, but he wrote adagio above this version of Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, performed by Reitze Smits for All of Bach. He apparently wanted no misunderstandings about the atmosphere he had in mind for this composition. He could have also lent a festive air to these words of praise, especially in view of his choice of two keyboards and pedal. But what we hear is balm for the soul. Recorded for the project All of Bach on No