Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jan 6, 1724

Publication Date

:

1868

First Performance

:

Jan 6, 1724

Average_duration

:

16:18

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 65, Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65, in 1724 for the Feast of Epiphany. The cantata premiered on January 6, 1724, at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, three arias, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Gospel of Matthew, which tells the story of the Magi visiting the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The opening chorus, "Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen," is a grand and majestic piece that features a full orchestra and choir. The music is celebratory and joyful, reflecting the excitement of the Magi as they journey to see the newborn king. The first aria, "Gold aus Ophir ist zu schlecht," is a solo for bass voice accompanied by a solo violin. The music is light and playful, with the bass singing about how even the finest gold is not worthy of the baby Jesus. The second aria, "Was will der Hölle Schrecken nun," is a solo for alto voice accompanied by an oboe d'amore. The music is haunting and introspective, with the alto singing about the fear and terror that the devil feels in the presence of the baby Jesus. The third aria, "Nimm mich dir zu eigen hin," is a solo for tenor voice accompanied by a solo flute. The music is tender and intimate, with the tenor singing about his desire to be taken into the loving embrace of Jesus. The recitative, "So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht," is a spoken section that tells the story of the Magi's visit to Bethlehem. The music is simple and understated, allowing the text to take center stage. The closing chorale, "Gloria sei dir gesungen," is a joyful and triumphant piece that features the full choir and orchestra. The music is celebratory and uplifting, reflecting the joy and wonder of the Magi as they behold the baby Jesus. Overall, Cantata No. 65 is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Bach's mastery of choral and orchestral composition. The music is both grand and intimate, reflecting the majesty and wonder of the Christmas story.

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