Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jul 14, 1715

Publication Date

:

1891

First Performance

:

Jul 14, 1715

Average_duration

:

14:54

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 185, Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe, BWV 185, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata was premiered on the 3rd Sunday after Trinity, which fell on June 20th of that year. The cantata consists of five movements, including an opening chorus, two arias, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on a hymn by Johann Heermann, which focuses on the theme of God's mercy and love. The opening chorus, "Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe," is a grand and majestic piece, featuring a full orchestra and choir. The music is characterized by its use of counterpoint and fugue, as well as its powerful and uplifting melody. The first aria, "Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze," is a solo for alto, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The music is gentle and flowing, with a sense of longing and yearning. The second aria, "Barmherziges Herze der ewigen Liebe," is a solo for bass, accompanied by a solo oboe and continuo. The music is more lively and energetic, with a sense of joy and celebration. The recitative, "Ach, es bleibt in meiner Liebe," is a solo for tenor, accompanied by continuo. The music is more introspective and contemplative, with a sense of sadness and regret. The closing chorale, "So lass uns gehen in den Saal," is a simple and straightforward piece, featuring the choir and continuo. The music is characterized by its simplicity and purity, with a sense of peace and contentment. Overall, Cantata No. 185 is a beautiful and powerful work, showcasing Bach's mastery of counterpoint, fugue, and melody. The music is characterized by its grandeur, beauty, and emotional depth, making it a true masterpiece of the Baroque era.

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