Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:40

"Es wird schier der letzte Tag herkommen" (The Last Day Will Soon Be Here) is a sacred cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece was written in Leipzig in 1735 and premiered on the 24th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 21st of that year. The cantata is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, strings, and continuo. The cantata is divided into three movements. The first movement is a duet for soprano and alto, accompanied by the orchestra. The second movement is a recitative for the bass soloist, accompanied by the continuo. The final movement is a chorale for the full choir, also accompanied by the orchestra. The text of the cantata is based on a hymn by Johann Rist, which reflects on the inevitability of death and the need for repentance. The first movement, sung by the two soloists, is a dialogue between the soul and the body, with the soul urging the body to prepare for the last day. The second movement, sung by the bass soloist, is a warning to sinners to repent before it is too late. The final movement, sung by the full choir, is a prayer for God's mercy and forgiveness. Musically, the cantata is typical of Bach's style, with intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies. The duet in the first movement features a lively, dance-like rhythm, while the bass recitative is more somber and introspective. The final chorale is a simple, yet powerful, setting of the hymn tune, with the choir and orchestra providing a majestic accompaniment. Overall, "Es wird schier der letzte Tag herkommen" is a powerful and moving work that reflects Bach's deep faith and his mastery of the art of sacred music.

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