Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Apr 15, 1725

Publication Date

:

1872

First Performance

:

Apr 15, 1725

Average_duration

:

15:53

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 85, Ich bin ein guter Hirt, BWV 85, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata was premiered on April 15, 1725, which was the third Sunday after Easter. The work is divided into six movements and is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a four-part choir, and a Baroque orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The first movement is an aria for bass soloist, "Ich bin ein guter Hirt" (I am a good shepherd), which is based on the Gospel reading for the day, John 10:11-16. The music is pastoral in character, with the oboes and strings imitating the sound of a shepherd's pipe. The bass soloist sings of the care and protection that the good shepherd provides for his flock. The second movement is a recitative for alto soloist, "Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt" (The Lord is my faithful shepherd), which is based on Psalm 23. The music is simple and understated, with the alto soloist expressing her trust in God's guidance and protection. The third movement is an aria for soprano soloist, "Seht, was die Liebe tut" (See what love does), which is based on 1 John 3:16-18. The music is joyful and celebratory, with the soprano soloist singing of the love that Christ has shown by laying down his life for his sheep. The fourth movement is a recitative for tenor soloist, "Ich bin ein guter Hirt" (I am a good shepherd), which is a repetition of the first movement, but with different text. The tenor soloist sings of the comfort and peace that the good shepherd provides for his flock. The fifth movement is an aria for bass soloist, "Jesus ist ein guter Hirt" (Jesus is a good shepherd), which is based on John 10:11-16. The music is gentle and comforting, with the bass soloist singing of the love and care that Jesus has for his sheep. The final movement is a chorale, "Ich danke dir, o Gott, in deinem Throne" (I thank you, O God, on your throne), which is a hymn of gratitude and praise. The music is majestic and triumphant, with the choir and orchestra joining together to express their thanks to God for his protection and guidance. Overall, Cantata No. 85, Ich bin ein guter Hirt, BWV 85, is a beautiful and uplifting work that expresses the themes of trust, protection, and gratitude. The pastoral and joyful music, combined with the expressive and heartfelt lyrics, make this cantata a true masterpiece of Baroque music.

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