Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 22, 1725

Publication Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

May 22, 1725

Average_duration

:

15:53

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 175, Er rufet seinen Schafen mit Namen, BWV 175, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata was premiered on May 28, 1725, as part of Bach's second annual cycle of cantatas for the liturgical year. The work is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and a Baroque orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The cantata is divided into six movements, each of which reflects on the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name. The opening chorus, "Er rufet seinen Schafen mit Namen" (He calls his sheep by name), is a lively and joyful piece that features a lively instrumental introduction and a fugue-like choral section. The second movement, a recitative for bass, reflects on the idea that Jesus knows each of his sheep intimately and cares for them individually. The third movement is a duet for soprano and alto that expresses the joy and comfort that comes from being one of Jesus' sheep. The fourth movement, a tenor aria, is a more introspective piece that reflects on the idea that Jesus' call to his sheep is a call to follow him on a difficult path. The fifth movement is a recitative for alto that emphasizes the idea that Jesus' love for his sheep is unconditional and unchanging. The final movement is a chorale that reiterates the theme of the cantata and offers a prayer of thanks and praise to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Throughout the cantata, Bach's music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, expressive harmonies, and masterful use of orchestration to convey the emotional and spiritual themes of the text. The work is a testament to Bach's skill as a composer and his deep faith in the Christian message.

More....