Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

1:13

"Mein Augen schliess ich jetzt" (Now I close my eyes) is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is also known as "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen" (Slumber now, you weary eyes) and is part of his cantata "Ich habe genug" (BWV 82). The cantata was composed in 1727 and premiered on February 2 of the same year in Leipzig. The aria is the fourth movement of the cantata and is sung by the bass soloist. It is a lullaby that expresses the desire for death as a release from the struggles of life. The text was written by Georg Christian Lehms and is based on the story of Simeon in the Gospel of Luke. The aria is characterized by its gentle and soothing melody, which is accompanied by a simple and repetitive bass line. The orchestration is minimal, with only a solo oboe and strings accompanying the voice. The oboe plays a prominent role in the piece, with a beautiful and expressive melody that complements the vocal line. The aria is in ABA form, with the opening and closing sections featuring the same melody and text. The middle section is more complex, with a faster tempo and a more elaborate vocal line. The text in this section expresses the desire for death as a release from the struggles of life, while the music becomes more agitated and restless. Overall, "Mein Augen schliess ich jetzt" is a beautiful and poignant aria that expresses the desire for peace and rest. Its gentle melody and minimal orchestration create a sense of calm and tranquility, while the text speaks to the universal human desire for release from the struggles of life.

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