Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:50

'Ach Gott, erhör' mein Seufzen, BWV 254' is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece was composed in the early 18th century, during Bach's tenure as the court musician in Weimar. The aria is part of a larger collection of sacred works known as the 'Neumeister Collection', which was compiled by Bach's contemporary, Johann Gottfried Neumeister. The aria is written for a solo voice accompanied by a continuo of harpsichord and cello. It is structured in a simple A-B-A form, with the opening and closing sections featuring the same melody and text. The middle section, or B section, features a contrasting melody and text. The text of the aria is a prayer for God's mercy and forgiveness. The opening lines, "Ach Gott, erhör' mein Seufzen und Wehklagen" (Oh God, hear my sighing and lamenting), set the tone for the piece. The middle section of the aria shifts to a more hopeful tone, with the text "Erhör' mich, wenn ich ruf', o Gott" (Hear me when I call, oh God). Musically, the aria is characterized by its simple, yet expressive melody. The vocal line is ornamented with trills and turns, adding a sense of emotion and urgency to the text. The continuo provides a steady, supportive foundation for the vocal line, with occasional flourishes and embellishments. 'Ach Gott, erhör' mein Seufzen, BWV 254' premiered in Weimar, likely as part of a church service or other religious ceremony. The piece has since become a staple of the sacred vocal repertoire, and is frequently performed and recorded by soloists and ensembles around the world.

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