Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:54

"Nicht so traurig, nicht so sehr" is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is also known as "Ach, wo hol ich Armer Rat" and is cataloged as BWV 384. The aria was composed in Leipzig, Germany, during Bach's tenure as the cantor of the Thomaskirche. It was likely composed in the early 1730s, although the exact date is unknown. The aria is written for a solo alto voice and is accompanied by a small ensemble consisting of two violins, viola, and continuo. It is a relatively short piece, lasting just over two minutes. The aria is in the key of G minor and is in a simple A-B-A form. The first section of the aria is marked "nicht so traurig" (not so sad) and is characterized by a mournful melody in the alto voice. The accompaniment is sparse, with the violins and viola playing simple, descending lines. The second section of the aria is marked "nicht so sehr" (not so much) and is more hopeful in character. The melody is more upbeat, and the accompaniment is more active, with the violins and viola playing more complex lines. The final section of the aria returns to the melody of the first section, but with a slight variation. The accompaniment is also more active, with the violins and viola playing more complex lines. The aria ends on a hopeful note, with the alto voice singing "Gott wird mir Hilfe schicken" (God will send me help). Overall, "Nicht so traurig, nicht so sehr" is a beautiful and poignant aria that showcases Bach's skill as a composer. It is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through music and is a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of all time.

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