Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 10, 1725

Publication Date

:

1878

First Performance

:

May 10, 1725

Average_duration

:

17:22

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 128, Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein, BWV 128, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata was premiered on May 10, 1725, on the occasion of the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The cantata consists of five movements and is scored for four vocal soloists, a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The first movement is a chorale fantasia based on the hymn "Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein" by Nikolaus Herman. The choir sings the chorale melody in unison while the orchestra provides a rich and complex accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, reflecting the ascension of Christ into heaven. The second movement is a recitative for bass soloist, who reflects on the significance of Christ's ascension and the hope it brings to believers. The recitative is accompanied by a simple basso continuo, emphasizing the soloist's contemplative mood. The third movement is an aria for tenor soloist, who expresses his joy and gratitude for Christ's ascension. The aria is accompanied by a lively and energetic orchestral accompaniment, featuring virtuosic passages for the oboes and violins. The fourth movement is a recitative for alto soloist, who reflects on the challenges and struggles of life on earth and the comfort that Christ's ascension provides. The recitative is accompanied by a gentle and soothing orchestral accompaniment, reflecting the soloist's sense of peace and comfort. The final movement is a chorale setting of the hymn "Gott fähret auf gen Himmel" by Martin Luther. The choir sings the chorale melody in four-part harmony, accompanied by a simple and elegant orchestral accompaniment. The movement is characterized by its simplicity and beauty, reflecting the peace and joy that believers find in Christ's ascension. Overall, Cantata No. 128 is a masterful work that reflects Bach's deep faith and his ability to express complex theological ideas through music. The cantata is characterized by its grandeur, majesty, and beauty, reflecting the significance of Christ's ascension and the hope it brings to believers.

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