Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1775

Selma (I), H. 739, Wq. 236 is a sacred cantata composed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in 1768. The cantata was written for the funeral of Selma, the wife of the composer's friend and patron, Johann Christoph von Wartenberg. The premiere of the cantata took place on January 17, 1768, at the St. Nicholas Church in Berlin. The cantata consists of four movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is a somber and mournful aria for alto soloist, accompanied by strings and continuo. The second movement is a recitative for bass soloist, which reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The third movement is a lively and joyful aria for soprano soloist, which celebrates the hope of eternal life and the promise of salvation. The final movement is a chorale, which offers a prayer for the soul of the departed and a plea for comfort and strength for the living. The music of Selma (I) is characterized by its emotional depth, expressive melodies, and rich harmonies. The cantata is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of tension and drama. The vocal writing is virtuosic and demanding, requiring skilled and sensitive performers to convey the full range of emotions and meanings in the text. Overall, Selma (I) is a powerful and moving work that reflects the composer's deep faith and his ability to express complex emotions through music. It remains a significant example of Bach's sacred music and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the most important composers of the Classical era.

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