Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Apr 22, 1725

Publication Date

:

1876

First Performance

:

Apr 22, 1725

Average_duration

:

16:40

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 103, "Ihr werdet weinen und heulen" (You will weep and wail), BWV 103, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata was premiered on the third Sunday after Easter, also known as Jubilate Sunday, on April 22, 1725. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, two recitatives, two arias, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 16, verses 16-23, which speaks of the sorrow and pain that the disciples will experience after Jesus' departure, but also the joy that will come with his return. The opening chorus is a powerful and mournful piece, with the choir singing "You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice." The music is characterized by a descending chromatic motif, which creates a sense of sadness and despair. The first recitative is sung by the tenor, who speaks of the disciples' grief and the comfort that Jesus promises to send them. The second recitative is sung by the bass, who speaks of the joy that will come with Jesus' return. The first aria is sung by the alto, who sings of the pain and suffering that the disciples will endure, but also the hope that they will find in Jesus. The music is characterized by a flowing melody and a gentle accompaniment of strings and oboe. The second aria is sung by the tenor, who sings of the joy that will come with Jesus' return. The music is characterized by a lively and joyful melody, with a virtuosic violin solo. The closing chorale is a simple and uplifting piece, with the choir singing "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." The music is characterized by a simple melody and a gentle accompaniment of strings and oboe. Overall, Cantata No. 103 is a powerful and emotional work, with music that reflects the sorrow and pain of the disciples, but also the hope and joy that they find in Jesus. The music is characterized by Bach's masterful use of harmony, melody, and counterpoint, and is a testament to his genius as a composer.

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