He composed the chorale cantata, based on Luther's hymn "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her", in 1831, setting selected stanzas with unchanged lyrics for soprano and baritone soloists, a five-part mixed choir (SSATB), and orchestra.

Mendelssohn had been introduced to the art of chorale arrangement when studying with Carl Friedrich Zelter, especially focused on the works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

[2][4][5] He composed the chorale cantata Vom Himmel hoch in 1831 in Rome on an extended trip to Italy.

[6][8] The manuscript shows signs of wear, and is numbered as if prepared for publication, but wasn't printed during the composer's lifetime.

[1] The cantata is scored for soprano and baritone soloists, a five-part mixed choir (SSATB), and orchestra.