Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jan 2, 1724

Publication Date

:

1886

First Performance

:

Jan 2, 1724

Average_duration

:

11:39

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 153, Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind, BWV 153, in Leipzig in 1724. The cantata premiered on January 2, 1724, as part of Bach's first cycle of cantatas for the liturgical year. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, two recitatives, two arias, and a closing chorale. The text is based on Psalm 56, which speaks of the psalmist's trust in God despite facing persecution from enemies. The opening chorus, "Schau, lieber Gott, wie meine Feind," is a lively and energetic piece that features a fugue and a lively instrumental accompaniment. The chorus expresses the psalmist's confidence in God's protection and asks for God's help in defeating his enemies. The first recitative, "Mein Gott, hier wird mein Herze sein," is a solo recitative that reflects on the psalmist's trust in God. The second aria, "Ich bin ja, Herr, in deiner Macht," is a bass aria that expresses the psalmist's faith in God's power to protect him. The aria features a virtuosic bass line and a lively instrumental accompaniment. The second recitative, "Gott ist getreu in seinen Wegen," is a tenor recitative that reflects on God's faithfulness and the psalmist's trust in him. The final aria, "Mein Jesus ist mein beste Freund," is a soprano aria that expresses the psalmist's love for Jesus and his trust in him. The aria features a gentle and flowing melody and a delicate instrumental accompaniment. The cantata concludes with a chorale, "Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier," which reflects on the psalmist's faith in God's protection and his gratitude for God's love and mercy. Overall, Cantata No. 153 is a lively and energetic work that expresses the psalmist's trust in God's protection and his faith in God's power to defeat his enemies. The cantata features virtuosic instrumental writing and expressive vocal solos that showcase Bach's mastery of the Baroque style.

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