Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 7, 1724

Publication Date

:

1887

First Performance

:

May 7, 1724

Average_duration

:

17:01

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 166, Wo gehest du hin?, BWV 166, in 1724 during his first year as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata was premiered on April 23, 1724, which was the third Sunday after Easter. The cantata consists of five movements, including an opening chorus, two arias, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 16, verses 5-15, which describes Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples before his crucifixion. The opening chorus, "Wo gehest du hin?" (Where are you going?), is a lively and joyful piece that features a prominent trumpet part. The choir sings the text, "Where are you going, my beloved Savior? To heaven, to the Father's throne, to prepare a place for us." The first aria, "Ich will an den Himmel denken" (I will think of heaven), is a solo for alto accompanied by oboe and continuo. The aria is characterized by its gentle and contemplative melody, which reflects the text's focus on the believer's longing for heaven. The second aria, "Doch weichet, ihr tollen, vergeblichen Sorgen" (But depart, you foolish, vain worries), is a solo for bass accompanied by strings and continuo. The aria is a lively and energetic piece that encourages the believer to cast aside worldly concerns and focus on the promise of eternal life. The recitative, "Mein Jesus geht zur Ruh" (My Jesus goes to rest), is a solo for tenor accompanied by continuo. The recitative reflects on Jesus' sacrifice and the believer's gratitude for his salvation. The closing chorale, "Gute Nacht, o Wesen" (Good night, all creatures), is a four-part harmonization of a hymn that expresses the believer's trust in God's protection and guidance. Overall, Cantata No. 166 is a beautiful and uplifting work that reflects Bach's mastery of choral and instrumental composition. Its focus on the promise of eternal life and the believer's faith in God's providence make it a fitting piece for the Easter season.

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