Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1736

Publication Date

:

1736

Average_duration

:

2:06

"So wünsch' ich mir zu guter Letzt, BWV 502" is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece was composed in the early 18th century, during Bach's tenure as the Kapellmeister at the court of Weimar. The aria is part of a larger collection of sacred songs and arias known as the "Neumeister Collection," which was compiled by Bach's student, Johann Gottfried Neumeister. The aria is written for a solo voice accompanied by a continuo of harpsichord and cello. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is a slow and contemplative aria, with a simple and elegant melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, but with a more dramatic and intense character. The text of the aria is a prayer for a peaceful and blessed end to life. The lyrics express a desire to be free from the trials and tribulations of the world, and to find rest and comfort in the arms of God. The music reflects this sentiment, with its gentle and soothing melodies, and its emphasis on the beauty and tranquility of the afterlife. Overall, "So wünsch' ich mir zu guter Letzt, BWV 502" is a beautiful and moving piece of sacred music, which showcases Bach's mastery of melody, harmony, and form. Its simple yet profound message of hope and comfort in the face of death continues to resonate with listeners today, making it a timeless masterpiece of the Baroque era.

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