Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

1:05

'Herr, ich habe missgehandelt (II), BWV 331' is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece was composed in the early 18th century, during Bach's tenure as the Kapellmeister at the court of Weimar. The aria is part of a larger collection of sacred works known as the 'Neumeister Collection', which was compiled by Bach's contemporary, Johann Gottfried Neumeister. The aria is written for a solo voice accompanied by a continuo of harpsichord and cello. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is a slow and introspective aria in which the singer confesses their sins and asks for forgiveness. The second movement is a faster and more lively aria in which the singer expresses their joy and gratitude for God's mercy. The final movement is a brief and simple recitative in which the singer reaffirms their faith and commitment to God. The music of 'Herr, ich habe missgehandelt (II), BWV 331' is characterized by Bach's typical contrapuntal style, in which multiple melodic lines are woven together to create a complex and harmonically rich texture. The vocal line is often ornamented with trills, runs, and other decorative flourishes, which add to the expressive and emotional quality of the music. The continuo accompaniment is also highly varied, with the harpsichord and cello taking turns to provide rhythmic and harmonic support for the singer. The piece premiered in the early 18th century, likely in a church or chapel setting. It has since become a popular choice for solo vocalists and has been recorded by numerous artists. The text of the aria is taken from a German hymn, and its themes of sin, forgiveness, and redemption are central to Bach's larger body of sacred works. Overall, 'Herr, ich habe missgehandelt (II), BWV 331' is a beautiful and moving example of Bach's mastery of sacred music.

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