Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jul 2, 1724

Publication Date

:

1852

First Performance

:

Jul 2, 1724

Average_duration

:

20:17

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 10, Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, in 1724 for the Feast of the Visitation of Mary. The cantata premiered on July 2, 1724, at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, four arias, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary, and is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Mary's humility and the second part on her exaltation. The opening chorus, "Meine Seel erhebt den Herren" (My soul magnifies the Lord), is a grand and joyful piece that features a lively fugue and a prominent trumpet part. The first aria, "Gelobet sei der Herr, mein Gott" (Praised be the Lord, my God), is a duet for soprano and bass that expresses gratitude for God's mercy and grace. The second aria, "Der mächtige Heiland" (The mighty Savior), is a bass solo that celebrates the power and majesty of God. The third aria, "Vergiß es ferner nicht, mit deiner Hand zu segnen" (Do not forget to bless with your hand), is a soprano solo that asks for God's blessing and protection. The final aria, "Herr, wenn du willst, so kann ich wohl" (Lord, if you will, I can), is a tenor solo that expresses the willingness to serve God and do His will. The cantata concludes with a chorale, "Wie er den Vätern so auch uns" (As He did to the fathers, so also to us), which reaffirms the faith in God's mercy and grace. Overall, Cantata No. 10 is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Bach's mastery of choral and instrumental writing. The cantata's joyful and celebratory tone reflects the spirit of the Feast of the Visitation of Mary and serves as a testament to Bach's deep faith and devotion.

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