An oboe orchestra, with 4-part choir/soloists, are joined by 1 x flute and trumpet, although the woodwind parts are, most probably, additions from a much later revival. The whole, only appear tutti, in the last chorus. The key to understanding the nature of the text,...
Bach: The Cantatas
2023 Cantatas
– Septuagesima – Sunday 5th February 2023 – J.S Bach cantata BWV 144 – ,Nimm, was dein ist und gehe hin’ –
Strangely, in the Neuen Bach-Ausgabe, this cantata is headed-up, as 'Concerto', although concertante elements are really no where to be seen...or are they...? Certainly not in the opening chorus. The oboe orchestra, joined by a single oboe d'amore, features the usual...
– Purification of the blessed virgin Mary – Thursday 2nd February 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 125 – ,Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, –
A string orchestra, viola, with two violins parts and 4-part chorus/soloists + continuo, is coloured by one of each, oboe, flute and oboe d'amore, A single corno appears in the first and last numbers, as reinforcement to the chorale tune. Extra instrumental bass...
– third Sunday after Epiphany – 22nd January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 111 -,Was mein Gott will, das gscheh allzeit’ –
Simple orchestration colours this cantata, -2 x oboes with string orchestra and a 4 part chorus + continuo. 1/(chorus): 'My God's will, must always be done, as it is the best. He helps those who have strong faith and those who have needs, because He is righteous,...
– Second Sunday after Epiphany – 15th January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 155 – ,Mein Gott, wie lang, ach lange?’ –
A string orchestra + continuo form the main support to this cantata, the 4-voice choir, only appearing, during the final choral. A large and fine bassoon part, rare in any cantata, is happily very present and correct, throughout the second movement Aria. 1/Recitativo;...
– First Sunday after Epiphany- 8th January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 154- ,Mein Liebster Jesus ist verloren’ –
1/Aria: 'My dearest Jesus is lost. These are words that bring me into despair, piercing my soul, and bringing thunder, into my ears.' This tenor aria sets off at a pedestrian speed, with chaconne-like-rhythm and in lack-lustre mood, complete with ostinato-bass. A...
– Sunday after Christmas – 1st January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 152 – ,Tritt auf die Glaubensbahn’ –
Because this new year, 2023, began on a Sunday and this date is taken by BWV 143, -New Year's day, the circumcision-, I have decided to allot BWV 152, which is the subject of this posting, to today, 8th January, the second Sunday after Christmas, as there is, in this...
– The Circumcision of Christ – New Year’s Day 1st January 2023 – J.S.Bach cantata BWV 143 ,Lobe den Herrn. meine Seele’ –
This cantata leaves a trail of doubts in its wake, the combination, of a certain simplicity and lack of sparkle, -missed opportunities, perhaps?, the unique and rather unusual instrumental combination, strings + continuo with a large, robust bassoon part and 3 x horns...