Composer

:

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

ca. 1750 - 1755

Average_duration

:

27:29

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

'Erzittert und fallet' is a sacred cantata composed by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the eldest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. The cantata was composed in 1758 and premiered in Halle, Germany. It is also known as F. 83 (BR F9) in the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV). The cantata consists of three movements, with a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement is an aria for bass soloist, accompanied by strings and continuo. The text is taken from the Book of Revelation and describes the fall of Babylon. The music is characterized by its dramatic and intense nature, with the bass soloist singing in a declamatory style. The second movement is a recitative for tenor soloist, accompanied by continuo. The text is taken from the Book of Isaiah and describes the destruction of Babylon. The music is characterized by its somber and mournful tone, with the tenor soloist singing in a recitative style. The final movement is a chorale for four-part choir, accompanied by strings and continuo. The text is taken from a hymn by Johann Rist and describes the triumph of Christ over sin and death. The music is characterized by its joyful and celebratory nature, with the choir singing in a homophonic style. Overall, 'Erzittert und fallet' is a powerful and expressive work that showcases Wilhelm Friedemann Bach's skill as a composer. The cantata is notable for its use of dramatic contrasts and vivid imagery, as well as its incorporation of both biblical and hymnal texts.

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