Johann Rudolf Ahle

Johann Rudolf Ahle's primary contribution to Baroque music was his sacred vocal music. Ahle even went so far as to write an instruction book used to teach children how to sing; he wanted most to revitalize sacred music. Although his musical training is not known he was a very accomplished organist and had a direct influence on J.S. Bach and Protestant music throughout central Germany; simply stated he was able to fulfill his wish by teaching children how to sing and by composing straightforward melodic lines for the common person. In this he was probably influenced by both Hammerschmidt and Michael Altenburg. His vocal concertos were marked by a requisite ability by the performer and a sensational quality unusually conveyed by means of a few "voices". "Misericordias Domini: Ich will singen von der Genade des Herren ewiglich" is such a concerto though Ahle's technique resulted in a composition that was seemingly scored for a large number of voices. Chorales and chorale-like melodies were a constant in much of Ahle's music. His work is still employed having been saved through The Muhlhausen hymnbook. Some of these songs are still used in Protestant services (e.g. "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier" "Est ist genug," and "Morgenglanz der Ewigkeit"). ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi