of the fughetta: bars 1–4: subject in soprano, countersubject in alto bars 5–7: subject inverted in bass, countersubject inverted in soprano, with a free alto part bars 8–10: episode derived from countersubject bars 11–14: subject in alto, countersubject in bass, with episode continuing against alto part bars 15–17: subject inverted in soprano, countersubject inverted in bass, with derived alto part bars 18–20: episode derived from countersubject bars 21–23: subject in bass, countersubject in soprano, with derived alto part bars 24–27: subject inverted in alto, countersubject inverted in soprano, with derived bass part There have been many attempts to interpret the musical iconography of BWV 685. Albert Schweitzer suggested that the subject and countersubject gave the visual impression of waves. Hermann Keller suggested that the three entries of the subject and countersubject, and the three inversions, represent the three immersions at baptism. Others have seen allusions to the Trinity in the three voices. The subject and countersubject have been seen as representing Luther's baptismal themes of Old Adam and New Man. Whatever the intended symbolism, Bach's most probable compositional aim was to produce a shorter chorale prelude contrasting musically with the preceding longer setting. Confession BWV 686, 687BWV 686 Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (Out of the depths I cry to Thee) Below is the text of the first and last verses of Luther's hymn with the English translation by Charles Sanford Terry: Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, Herr Gott, erhör mein Rufen. Dein gnädig Ohren kehr zu mir und meiner Bitt sei öffne; denn so du willst das sehen an, was Sünd und Unrecht ist getan, wer kann, Herr, vor dir bleiben? Darum auf Gott will hoffen ich, auf mein Verdienst nicht bauen; auf ihn mein Herz soll lassen sich und seiner Güte trauen, die mir zusagt sein wertes Wort; das ist mein Trost und treuer Hort, das will ich allzeit harren. Out of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord, hear me, I implore Thee! Bend down Thy gracious ear to me, Let my prayer come before Thee! If Thou rememberest each misdeed, If each should have its rightful meed, Who may abide Thy presence? And thus my hope is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit; I rest upon His faithful word To them of contrite spirit; That He is merciful and just— Here is my comfort and my trust, His help