Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Nov 21, 1723

Publication Date

:

1868

First Performance

:

Nov 21, 1723

Average_duration

:

23:48

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 70, Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!, BWV 70, in 1723 for the 26th Sunday after Trinity. The premiere of the cantata took place on November 21, 1723, at the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, three recitatives, an aria, and a closing chorale. The text of the cantata is based on the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 1-13, which tells the parable of the ten virgins who await the arrival of the bridegroom. The opening chorus, "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" (Watch! Pray! Pray! Watch!), is a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cantata. The chorus is written in a fugal style, with the voices entering one by one and building to a grand climax. The first recitative, "Mein Heiland, heißt mein Jesus Christ" (My Savior is called Jesus Christ), is sung by the bass soloist and reflects on the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Lord. The second recitative, "Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen" (A ship is coming, loaded), is sung by the tenor soloist and uses the metaphor of a ship to represent the arrival of the bridegroom. The aria, "Komm, komm, mein Herze steht dir offen" (Come, come, my heart is open to you), is sung by the alto soloist and is a tender and intimate piece that expresses the longing of the soul for the presence of the Lord. The final recitative, "So geh herein zu mir" (So come in to me), is sung by the soprano soloist and invites the Lord to enter into the heart of the believer. The closing chorale, "Gloria sei dir gesungen" (Glory be sung to you), is a joyful and triumphant piece that celebrates the arrival of the bridegroom and the union of the soul with the Lord. Overall, Cantata No. 70 is a powerful and moving work that reflects Bach's deep faith and his mastery of musical composition. Its themes of preparation, longing, and union with the divine continue to resonate with audiences today.

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