Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Dec 11, 1726

Publication Date

:

1873

First Performance

:

Dec 11, 1726

Average_duration

:

30:37

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 207, Vereinigte Zwietracht der wechselnden Saiten, BWV 207, in 1726. The cantata was premiered on September 5, 1726, in Leipzig, Germany, as part of the annual election of the Leipzig City Council. The cantata consists of six movements and is scored for solo voices, choir, and orchestra. The first movement is an opening chorus, which features a lively and energetic melody. The choir and orchestra alternate in a call-and-response style, with the choir singing the main theme and the orchestra responding with a counterpoint. The movement is characterized by its joyful and celebratory tone, which reflects the festive occasion of the election. The second movement is a recitative for the bass soloist, who sings a text that praises the virtues of the newly elected council members. The recitative is accompanied by a simple and understated orchestral accompaniment, which allows the soloist's voice to shine. The third movement is an aria for the soprano soloist, who sings a text that compares the council members to the strings of a harp. The aria is accompanied by a delicate and intricate orchestral accompaniment, which features a prominent harp part. The movement is characterized by its graceful and lyrical melody, which reflects the beauty and elegance of the harp. The fourth movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who sings a text that warns the council members of the dangers of pride and arrogance. The recitative is accompanied by a somber and introspective orchestral accompaniment, which reflects the serious and cautionary tone of the text. The fifth movement is an aria for the alto soloist, who sings a text that praises the council members for their humility and wisdom. The aria is accompanied by a rich and expressive orchestral accompaniment, which features a prominent oboe part. The movement is characterized by its warm and tender melody, which reflects the gratitude and admiration of the text. The final movement is a closing chorus, which features a reprise of the main theme from the opening chorus. The choir and orchestra alternate in a call-and-response style, with the choir singing the main theme and the orchestra responding with a counterpoint. The movement is characterized by its triumphant and exultant tone, which reflects the joy and satisfaction of the election. Overall, Cantata No. 207, Vereinigte Zwietracht der wechselnden Saiten, BWV 207, is a masterful work that showcases Bach's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the spirit and emotion of a festive occasion. The cantata is characterized by its lively and energetic melodies, its delicate and intricate orchestral accompaniments, and its rich and expressive vocal parts.

More....