Скачать или смотреть A Forgotten German “Battle Prayer” for Organ – Max Oesten | Steinmeyer Organ Landau

German composer and organist Max Oesten was born in Berlin in 1843, the son of the well-known composer Theodor Oesten. He studied with August Wilhelm Bach and later spent most of his professional life working as a church organist in Königsberg. Although he composed a considerable number of works for organ and piano, much of his music has largely disappeared from today’s repertoire. It is always a pleasure to rediscover these forgotten gems from the late Romantic German organ tradition.

This piece carries the striking title “Battle Prayer.” I had never previously encountered an organ work with this title. The name suggests a solemn and patriotic hymn — a musical reflection in which people ask for strength, courage, and guidance in difficult times.

As a lifelong employee of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, I have seen from close proximity that men and women in uniform serve their countries under the authority of elected governments and political leadership. When they are called upon to act, they fulfill their duty — often in circumstances that are complex and challenging.

Regardless of one’s personal political views or opinions about particular conflicts, it is worth remembering that service members everywhere carry a heavy responsibility on behalf of their nations. Music such as this can be heard as a quiet moment of reflection — a prayer for strength, wisdom, and ultimately for peace for those who serve.

For this recording I used the beautiful Steinmeyer organ of Landau (Germany), played via the Hauptwerk virtual organ system.

I discovered, played and recorded this piece in the middle of the night and made some choices against the score. I played the first part quicker than Molto Andante, in a Allegretto style. and I neglected some changes in dynamics because it didn't like them. I'm sure the composer wouldn't have mind it, and I hope you don't mind either,.

📄 Want to play this piece yourself?
I’ve made the score available in my Forgotten Music Treasures Sheet Music Vault — a growing collection of rare and special organ music that I personally curate.

🔑 YouTube Members, Patreon supporters, and Buy Me A Coffee members all have access to the vault, including:
• Rare and forgotten organ repertoire
• Carefully sourced historical scores
• All of my own compositions (free for supporters)

If you’d like to explore, play, and help keep this music alive, consider becoming a supporter. Your support directly enables the discovery and sharing of music like this.

Become a member of my channel and support me in my music journey!    / @rienschalkwijk