Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1736

Publication Date

:

1736

Average_duration

:

1:46

"Eins ist Noth! ach Herr, diess Eine" is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is also known as "One thing is necessary, O Lord, this one thing" and is part of his collection of sacred songs, chorales, and arias known as the "Schemelli Gesangbuch." The aria was composed in 1736 and was first published in 1736 in Leipzig. The aria is written for a solo voice accompanied by a keyboard instrument, either a harpsichord or an organ. It is a simple and straightforward piece, consisting of a single movement with a duration of approximately two minutes. The text of the aria is based on a passage from the Gospel of Luke, in which Jesus tells Martha that "one thing is necessary" and that Mary has chosen the better part by sitting at his feet and listening to his teachings. The aria begins with a simple and plaintive melody, sung by the solo voice. The accompaniment is sparse, consisting of a few chords played on the keyboard instrument. The melody is repeated several times, with slight variations in the phrasing and dynamics. The text is sung in a straightforward and unadorned manner, with the emphasis on the words "eins ist Noth" (one thing is necessary). As the aria progresses, the accompaniment becomes more complex, with the keyboard instrument playing arpeggios and trills. The melody becomes more ornate, with the solo voice adding embellishments and flourishes. The text becomes more urgent, with the singer pleading with the Lord to grant them the one thing that is necessary. The aria ends with a return to the simple melody and sparse accompaniment of the beginning. The final words of the text are sung softly and reverently, as the singer acknowledges the importance of the one thing that is necessary. Overall, "Eins ist Noth! ach Herr, diess Eine" is a beautiful and moving aria that showcases Bach's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its simplicity and directness make it accessible to a wide audience, while its emotional depth and spiritual resonance make it a powerful expression of faith.

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