Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Oct 3, 1723

Publication Date

:

1860

First Performance

:

Oct 3, 1723

Average_duration

:

14:15

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 48, Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erlösen, BWV 48, in Leipzig in 1723. The cantata was premiered on the 19th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on October 10th of that year. The cantata consists of six movements and is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, strings, and continuo. The first movement is a sinfonia, which sets the tone for the entire cantata. It is a somber and introspective piece, featuring a solo oboe and strings. The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, accompanied by the orchestra. The text speaks of the sinner's despair and longing for redemption. The music is characterized by long, flowing melodic lines and rich harmonies. The third movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who reflects on the suffering of Christ and the hope that his sacrifice brings. The music is spare and declamatory, with the continuo providing a simple accompaniment. The fourth movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings a hymn based on the text of Psalm 130. The music is simple and homophonic, with the choir and orchestra alternating in a call-and-response pattern. The fifth movement is a bass aria, in which the soloist sings of the comfort and strength that comes from faith in Christ. The music is characterized by a lively, dance-like rhythm and virtuosic vocal lines. The final movement is a chorale, in which the choir and orchestra return to the hymn from the fourth movement. This time, however, the music is more elaborate, with the choir and orchestra weaving intricate counterpoint around the melody. Overall, Cantata No. 48 is a deeply introspective work that reflects on the human condition and the hope of redemption through faith in Christ. The music is characterized by rich harmonies, flowing melodies, and intricate counterpoint, and showcases Bach's mastery of the Baroque style.

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