Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Aug 22, 1723

Publication Date

:

1870

First Performance

:

Aug 22, 1723

Average_duration

:

15:36

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 77, Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben, BWV 77, in 1723 during his first year as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata premiered on the 22nd Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 11th of that year. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, three recitatives, an aria, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Gospel reading for the day, which emphasizes the importance of loving God above all else. The opening chorus is a grand and majestic setting of the first verse of the hymn "Du sollt Gott, deinen Herren, lieben" (Thou shalt love the Lord thy God). The choir and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the choir singing the hymn tune in unison while the orchestra provides a rich and complex accompaniment. The first recitative is sung by the tenor soloist and serves as an introduction to the aria that follows. The text speaks of the soul's longing for God and the comfort that comes from knowing that God is always present. The aria is sung by the bass soloist and is accompanied by a solo oboe d'amore. The text speaks of the joy that comes from loving God and the peace that comes from trusting in His love. The second recitative is sung by the alto soloist and speaks of the challenges that come with loving God, including the temptation to love worldly things instead. The final recitative is sung by the soprano soloist and serves as a transition to the closing chorale. The text speaks of the need to remain steadfast in one's love for God, even in the face of adversity. The closing chorale is a simple and straightforward setting of the final verse of the hymn. The choir sings the hymn tune in four-part harmony, accompanied by the orchestra. Overall, Cantata No. 77 is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Bach's mastery of choral and orchestral writing. The music is both grand and intimate, reflecting the text's emphasis on the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind.

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