Chorale Prelude on ‘Was bist du doch, o Seele, so betrübet’, Op. 30 — Egbert Juffer

This solemn Chorale Prelude by Dutch-British composer Egbert Juffer is based on the Lutheran Chorale Was bist du doch, o Seele, so betrübet. Written on February 9th, 2023, it is marked Grave and unfolds in long, weighty phrases. The Chorale melody is voiced in the sombre colour of the Bassoon 16′, while gentle Flute stops provide a soft countermelody. Its meditative depth makes it well-suited for penitential seasons, funerals, or reflective points in concert programmes.

Why you’ll love it:

Solemn expression – The Chorale melody appears in dark, dignified tones, supported by a flowing countermelody.

Dark-hued registration – Suggested colours: Man. II Bassoon 16′ for the melody, with Flûte Harmonique 8′ or similar flutes as accompaniment, and Pedal Flûte 16′ for depth.

Compact engraving – 1 pages of music notation presented within a 4-page publication, clearly set with registration and expressive markings.

Intermediate accessibility – Suitable for organists at around UK Grade 4–5, the piece runs about 2–2½ minutes, depending on tempo and expressive pacing.

About the composer:

Egbert Juffer (b. 1991) holds multiple diplomas in composition and theory (LLCM, LVCM, AMusLCM) and has quickly earned a reputation for vibrant, audience-friendly organ works released through EJ Music Publishing Ltd.

Publication details:

Chorale Prelude on ‘Was bist du doch, o Seele, so betrübet’, Op. 30 — 4 pages in total (1 pages of music notation), organ score in PDF format. © 2023 EJ Music Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved; purchase licenses you to play from the copy but not to reproduce or distribute it. Catalogue No.: EJMP03034.

Add sheet music of this solemn Chorale Prelude by Egbert Juffer to your repertoire and let its dignified sonorities bring depth to worship and concert contexts.