Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

before 1730

Publication Date

:

1862

Average_duration

:

21:38

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed the Cantata No. 202, Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten Wedding Cantata, BWV 202, in 1718. The cantata was premiered on August 23, 1718, at the wedding of his cousin Johann Ernst and his bride Barbara Katharina Gessner in the small town of Störmthal, near Leipzig. The cantata consists of nine movements, including an opening sinfonia, five arias, two recitatives, and a closing chorus. The text of the cantata is based on a poem by Georg Christian Lehms, which celebrates the joys of marriage and the blessings of love. The opening sinfonia is a lively and joyful instrumental piece, featuring a solo violin and a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The first aria, "Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten" (Vanish, troubled shadows), is sung by a soprano and features a light and playful melody, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The second aria, "Phoebus eilt mit schnellen Pferden" (Phoebus hastens with swift horses), is sung by a tenor and features a more dramatic and virtuosic melody, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The third aria, "Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen" (When the spring breezes blow), is sung by a soprano and features a gentle and pastoral melody, accompanied by a solo flute and continuo. The fourth aria, "Sich üben im Lieben" (Practicing love), is sung by a bass and features a lively and rhythmic melody, accompanied by a solo cello and continuo. The fifth aria, "Sehet in Zufriedenheit" (Look with contentment), is sung by a soprano and features a serene and peaceful melody, accompanied by a solo oboe and continuo. The two recitatives are sung by a tenor and a bass, respectively, and serve to connect the arias and provide commentary on the joys of marriage and the blessings of love. The closing chorus, "Gedenk an uns mit deiner Liebe" (Remember us with your love), is a joyful and celebratory piece, featuring a lively and rhythmic melody, accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. Overall, the Cantata No. 202, Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten Wedding Cantata, BWV 202, is a charming and delightful work, full of joy, celebration, and the blessings of love. Its lively and playful melodies, virtuosic instrumental solos, and serene and peaceful arias make it a beloved work in the Bach canon.

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