Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Aug 8, 1723

Publication Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

Aug 8, 1723

Average_duration

:

15:24

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 179, Siehe zu, dass deine Gottesfurcht, BWV 179, in 1723 during his first year as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata premiered on August 11, 1723, the ninth Sunday after Trinity, at the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig. The cantata consists of four movements, including an opening chorus, a tenor aria, a bass recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on a hymn by Johann Heermann, which emphasizes the importance of fearing God and living a virtuous life. The opening chorus, "Siehe zu, dass deine Gottesfurcht," is a lively and energetic piece that features a complex fugue and intricate counterpoint. The tenor aria, "Laß uns, o höchster Gott," is a more contemplative piece that features a solo violin and a gentle, flowing melody. The bass recitative, "So wird dein Segen," is a short, declamatory piece that serves as a bridge between the aria and the closing chorale. The closing chorale, "Gib, dass ich tu mit Fleiß," is a simple and straightforward piece that features the full choir and emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life. Overall, Cantata No. 179 is a powerful and moving work that showcases Bach's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to convey complex theological ideas through music. It remains a beloved piece in the choral repertoire and is frequently performed in churches and concert halls around the world.

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