Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 29, 1724

Publication Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

May 29, 1724

Average_duration

:

14:49

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 173, Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut, BWV 173, in 1724 for the Feast of the Ascension. The cantata premiered on May 10, 1724, at the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of five movements, including an opening chorus, two recitatives, an aria, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Gospel of Luke, which describes the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The opening chorus, "Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut," is a grand and celebratory piece that features a full orchestra and choir. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms, intricate counterpoint, and soaring melodies. The first recitative, "Der Himmel dacht auf Anhalts Ruhm und Glück," is a solo piece for bass that reflects on the glory of the ascension and the joy it brings to the faithful. The second recitative, "Indes schenkt Gott ein gut Gewissen," is a solo piece for tenor that speaks of the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that Christ has ascended to heaven. The aria, "Jesus soll mein erstes Wort," is a solo piece for alto that expresses the singer's devotion to Christ and their desire to follow in his footsteps. The music is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and delicate accompaniment. The closing chorale, "Gottes Sohn ist kommen," is a simple and straightforward piece that reaffirms the central message of the cantata: that Christ has ascended to heaven and that his followers should strive to follow in his footsteps. Overall, Cantata No. 173, Erhöhtes Fleisch und Blut, BWV 173, is a powerful and uplifting work that celebrates the ascension of Christ and encourages the faithful to follow in his footsteps. The music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, soaring melodies, and joyful rhythms, making it a beloved piece in the Bach canon.

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