J.S. Bach - Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ BWV 639 (Dirk Jan Versluis, organ)

From the Orgelbüchlein (Weimar, 1708-'17).
Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ!
Ich bitt' erhör' mein klagen,
Verleih' mir gnad' zu dieser frist,
Laß mich doch nicht verzagen,
Den rechten weg, o Herr! ich mein',
Den wollest du mir geben,
Dir zu leben,
Mein'm nächsten nütz zu sein,
Dein wort zu halten eben.
I call to you, Lord Jesus Christ,
I pray, hear my lamentation,
bestow your grace on me at this time,
do not let me despair;
I think that I have the right faith, Lord,
which you wanted to give me,
to live for you,
to be useful to my neighbour.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Dirk Jan Versluis (MM, MSc) is both psychologist and musician, to him both being manifestations of soul life. He studied with Jaap Nieuwenhuijse and Gerrit Christiaan de Gier (Gouda), following his studies at the Royal Conservatoire (The Hague) with Jos van der Kooy and masterclasses with a.o. Ton Koopman, Guy Bovet and Daan Manneke. For 10 years he was the chair of a large church music association and he was deployed as church organist since age 12.
Dirk Jan participated in projects featuring an organ transcription of Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’ and the complete organ works of Dietrich Buxtehude. Himself, he performed all of Mendelssohns organ sonates, all of Regers Chorale Fantasias (Westerkerk, Amsterdam) and currently he works on an integral performance of J.S. Bach’s organ works.
As a psychologist, he developed his own model and method in working with leaders and entrepreneurs on quests related to Leadership and Trauma.
ABOUT THE ORGAN
The organ of the Gereformeerde Gemeente (Dutch Reformed Congregation) in Gouda was built by the Van Vulpen-brothers in Utrecht (2008-09). It was inspired by the work of the Bätz-brothers some centuries ago (e.g. Lutheran Church, The Hague) and enables the accompaniment of over thousand singers every Sunday.
The complete disposition:
HOOFDWERK: (C-e3)
Prestant 16 (C-Fis: Bourdon 16’)
Octaaf 8
Roerfluit 8
Viola 8 (c0)
Octaaf 4
Quint 3
Octaaf 2
Mixtuur 4-5 st.
Cornet 4 st.
Fagot 16
Trompet 8 B/D
RUGWERK: (C-e3)
Prestant 8
Holpijp 8
Quintadeen 8
Octaaf 4
Fluit 4
Nasard 3
Octaaf 2
Gemshoorn 2
Mixtuur 3 st.
Sesquialter 2 st.
Dulciaan 8
Tremulant
PEDAAL: (C-d1)
Prestant 16
Bourdon 16
Octaaf 8
Gedekt 8 (from Bourdon 16’)
Octaaf 4
Bazuin 16
Trompet 8
Trompet 4
COUPLERS:HW+RW B/DP+HWP+RW
Special thanks to:
- Concertstreamsz (Samuel Strijbis)
- Leo R. Mauritz

[@thinkofmusic37]

I was able to capture the depth and emotion of "Ichruf' zudir, Herr Jesu Christ" beautifully in your performance.
The resonant tone accentuated the emotional nuances of Bach's masterpiece.
It's really a pleasure to witness a harmonious combination of artistic interpretation and technical ability.

[@jman7031]

Zeer inspirerend...! Om het met Bach te zeggen SDG ! Heerlijk om onder dit orgel en verantwoord spel te mogen voorgaan....