Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Oct 20, 1726

Publication Date

:

1887

First Performance

:

Oct 20, 1726

Average_duration

:

22:28

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 169, Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169, in 1726. The cantata was premiered on the 20th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 24th of that year. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, two arias, two recitatives, and a closing chorale. The text is based on a hymn by Johann Christoph Rube, which emphasizes the importance of having God as the sole focus of one's heart and soul. The opening chorus, "Gott soll allein mein Herze haben" (God alone shall have my heart), is a lively and joyful piece, featuring a complex interplay between the choir and the orchestra. The first aria, "Ich folge Christo nach" (I follow after Christ), is a solo for alto, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The second aria, "Wie jammern mich doch die verkehrten Herzen" (How they grieve me, these wayward hearts), is a solo for tenor, accompanied by a solo oboe and continuo. The two recitatives are sung by the bass soloist, who reflects on the text and provides commentary on the preceding movements. The closing chorale, "Nimm mich mir und gib mich dir" (Take me from myself and give me to you), is a simple and straightforward piece, featuring the choir and orchestra in unison. Overall, Cantata No. 169 is a beautiful and uplifting work, showcasing Bach's mastery of both vocal and instrumental music. The cantata's themes of devotion and surrender to God are timeless and universal, making it a beloved piece of music for generations to come.

More....