Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:06

"Erwürgtes Lamm, das die erwahrten siegel" (Strangled lamb, that the expected seals) is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is a part of his collection of chorale preludes, which he composed during his tenure as the cantor of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. The piece was composed in 1725 and premiered in the same year. The aria is based on a hymn by Johann Rist, which is a meditation on the suffering of Christ. The text speaks of the strangled lamb, which represents Christ, who was sacrificed for the sins of humanity. The expected seals refer to the seven seals mentioned in the Book of Revelation, which are opened to reveal the end of the world. The piece is composed for a solo voice and a continuo accompaniment. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in the same key and the second movement being in a contrasting key. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the soloist singing the text in a recitative style. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the soloist singing the text in an aria style. The third movement returns to the slow and mournful style of the first movement, with the soloist singing the text in a more melodic and expressive manner. The characteristics of the piece are typical of Bach's style, with the use of counterpoint, chromaticism, and modulation. The piece is also notable for its use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the strangled lamb is represented by dissonant harmonies and the expected seals are represented by a descending chromatic scale. Overall, "Erwürgtes Lamm, das die erwahrten siegel" is a powerful and moving piece of music that reflects Bach's deep faith and his mastery of composition.

More....