Composer

:

Johann Michael Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

3:19

Johann Michael Bach was a German composer of the Baroque era, born in 1648 in Arnstadt. He was a member of a prominent musical family, and his music was highly regarded during his lifetime. One of his most famous works is the sacred cantata "Herr, wenn ich nur Dich habe," which was composed in the mid-17th century. The cantata is written for four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and a small orchestra consisting of two violins, viola, and continuo. It is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different biblical text. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 73:25-26, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." The music is slow and contemplative, with the voices and instruments weaving together in a gentle, flowing melody. The text is sung in a simple, straightforward manner, with the emphasis on the words "Herr" (Lord) and "Dich" (thee). The second movement is a setting of Psalm 16:5-6, "The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." The music is more lively and upbeat than the first movement, with the violins and viola playing a lively dance-like melody. The voices sing the text in a joyful, celebratory manner, with the emphasis on the words "Herr" and "Erhaltung" (maintenance). The third and final movement is a setting of Psalm 73:28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works." The music is slow and contemplative, like the first movement, but with a more complex and intricate melody. The voices sing the text in a more elaborate and ornate manner, with the emphasis on the words "Herr" and "vertrauen" (trust). Overall, "Herr, wenn ich nur Dich habe" is a beautiful and moving sacred cantata that showcases Johann Michael Bach's skill as a composer. Its simple yet powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless masterpiece of Baroque music. The cantata premiered in the mid-17th century, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world today.

More....