Ich Wollt, Daß Ich Daheime Wär / Herr, Nun Lässest Du Deinen Diener In Frieden Fahren

This recording captures the intersection of mid-20th-century German church music and the Orgelbewegung, or Organ Movement, which sought to revive historically informed performance and compositions rooted in the Lutheran tradition. Produced under the Capella label, the record features the Westfälische Kantorei under the direction of Wilhelm Ehmann, an ensemble widely respected for its meticulous approach to vocal polyphony and early music revivalism. The repertoire highlights the work of Hugo Distler, whose compositions are central to the 20th-century revival of liturgical music, blending archaic contrapuntal forms with a distinct modern harmonic sensibility.

The selection focuses on profound liturgical texts that reflect themes of yearning and rest, mirroring the theological gravity often found in the works of both Distler and his contemporary Hans Friedrich Micheelsen. The production design and curation reflect the scholarly dedication of Ehmann, who spent his career bridging the gap between historical composition and contemporary congregational practice. The album was received as an essential document for those interested in the liturgical renewal movement in post-war Germany, serving as both a technical showcase for the Westfälische Kantorei and a preserved artifact of the movement's aesthetic philosophy.