Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein

Chorale No. 68 · BWV 431

Johann Sebastian Bach · c. 1714–1750 · F major · 10 bars · 53 chords analysed

Bach harmonised Lutheran hymn tunes in four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), mostly to close his church cantatas and Passions so the congregation could recognise the tune. After his death his son C. P. E. Bach gathered about 370 of them into a collection (published 1784–87). They have been the classic way to learn harmony ever since.

Keys visited: F major, C major, G minor.