Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jan 27, 1726

Publication Date

:

1870

First Performance

:

Jan 27, 1726

Average_duration

:

17:36

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 72, Alles nur nach Gottes willen, BWV 72, in 1726 during his tenure as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata was premiered on the 14th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on September 2nd of that year. The cantata is divided into six movements, beginning with a sinfonia for orchestra. The second movement is a duet for soprano and bass, with the soprano singing the aria "Alles nur nach Gottes Willen" (All according to God's will alone) and the bass responding with the recitative "Wer unter Menschen will herrschen" (Whoever wants to rule among people). The third movement is a tenor aria, "Ach, was ist doch unser Leben" (Ah, what is our life), which reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence. The fourth movement is a bass aria, "Ach, Gott, wie manches Herzeleid" (Ah, God, how much heartache), which laments the trials and tribulations of life. The fifth movement is a duet for alto and tenor, with the alto singing the aria "Wie selig sind doch die, die Gott im Munde tragen" (How blessed are those who carry God's name on their lips) and the tenor responding with the recitative "Ihr Kreuz tut alle Last versiegen" (Your cross makes all burdens disappear). The final movement is a chorale, "Glorie, Lob, Ehr und Herrlichkeit" (Glory, praise, honor, and majesty), which praises God and his divine plan. The cantata is characterized by Bach's masterful use of counterpoint and his ability to convey complex theological concepts through music. The duets and arias showcase the virtuosity of the soloists, while the chorale provides a powerful conclusion to the work. The text, written by an unknown author, emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's will and finding comfort in his love and mercy. Overall, Cantata No. 72 is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Bach's skill as a composer and his deep faith in God.

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