Nearer, My God, to Thee Op. 81, by Sigfrid Karg-Elert, is a sacred choral work, often called a “Canzona,” for SATB Choir, Flute (or Violin), and Organ, based on the popular hymn tune by Lowell Mason, known for its rich, sensitive harmonies and unique instrumental color, published around 1912 by Carl Simon and Breitkopf & Hartel. It’s a beautiful example of Karg-Elert’s sacred music, enhancing the familiar hymn with his distinct musical style,

Oliver Hilmes’s four new editions of Karg-Elert’s most substantial choral works are being published with the same consistency and compactness shown by Karg-Elert when he wrote them in 1912/13. The reception of Karg-Elert’s works, which has been quite strong in the organ domain, now obtains decisive impulses in a new direction. Joining the previously published choral canzonas “Benedictus” Op. 82 No. 1 and “Vom Himmel hoch” Op. 82 No. 2 are “Näher, mein Gott, zu dir” Op. 81 and the Passion Canzona Op. 84. Particularly charming is the unique instrumental color with which Karg-Elert sensitively enhances the choral sound in each work of this little group.