Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1736

Publication Date

:

1736

Average_duration

:

1:46

'O liebe Seele, zieh' die Sinnen' is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece is also known as 'Aria for Alto' and is cataloged as BWV 494. It was composed in the early 18th century, during Bach's tenure as the Kapellmeister at the court of Weimar. The aria is believed to have been composed between 1708 and 1717. The piece is written for alto voice and continuo, with the continuo part being played on a keyboard instrument such as a harpsichord or organ. The aria is in the key of G major and has a time signature of 4/4. It consists of two sections, with the first section being in a slower tempo and the second section being faster. The text of the aria is a hymn by Johann Rist, which speaks of the soul's desire to turn away from earthly pleasures and focus on the love of God. The first section of the aria is marked 'Adagio' and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody. The alto voice sings the text in a contemplative manner, with the continuo providing a simple harmonic accompaniment. The second section of the aria is marked 'Allegro' and is more lively and energetic than the first section. The alto voice sings the text with greater urgency, as if urging the soul to turn away from worldly distractions and focus on the love of God. The continuo provides a more complex accompaniment, with rapid arpeggios and chord progressions. Overall, 'O liebe Seele, zieh' die Sinnen' is a beautiful and contemplative aria that reflects Bach's deep religious faith and his mastery of the Baroque style. Its simple yet profound message of turning away from earthly pleasures and focusing on the love of God is still relevant today, making it a timeless piece of music.

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