Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1736

Publication Date

:

1736

Average_duration

:

4:04

"Mein Jesu! was für Seelenweh, BWV 487" is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written in the early 18th century and is part of his collection of sacred songs known as the "Schemelli Gesangbuch." The aria was first published in 1736, after Bach's death. The piece is written for a solo voice accompanied by a figured bass, which is a type of musical notation that indicates the chords to be played by a keyboard instrument. The aria is in the key of G minor and has a slow, mournful tempo. It consists of two sections, each with its own melody and lyrics. The first section begins with the words "Mein Jesu! was für Seelenweh" (My Jesus! What soul agony), and features a descending melody that emphasizes the pain and suffering of the speaker. The lyrics describe the speaker's longing for Jesus and their desire to be reunited with him in heaven. The second section begins with the words "Ach, wie hungert mein Gemüte" (Oh, how my soul hungers), and features a rising melody that expresses the speaker's hope and joy in the prospect of being with Jesus. The lyrics describe the speaker's hunger for the love and grace of Jesus, and their anticipation of the day when they will be reunited with him in heaven. Overall, "Mein Jesu! was für Seelenweh, BWV 487" is a deeply emotional and introspective piece that reflects Bach's profound faith and his ability to express complex theological concepts through music. Its mournful melody and poignant lyrics make it a powerful expression of the human longing for spiritual fulfillment and the hope of eternal life.

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