Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Psalm

Compose Date

:

1745 - 1747

Publication Date

:

2000

Average_duration

:

38:04

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

'Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden' (Psalm 51), BWV 1083 is a choral work composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The work is based on the text of Psalm 51, which is a penitential psalm. The work was composed in 1727 and was premiered in Leipzig on March 24, 1727. The work consists of three movements. The first movement is a choral setting of the first verse of Psalm 51, "Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden" (Blot out my transgressions, O Lord). The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto, which is based on the second verse of the psalm, "Wasche mich doch rein von meinen Sünden" (Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity). The third movement is a choral setting of the final verse of the psalm, "Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein reines Herz" (Create in me a clean heart, O God). The work is characterized by its use of counterpoint and chromaticism. Bach uses the technique of double-chorus writing in the first and third movements, with one choir singing the text of the psalm and the other choir providing a commentary on the text. The duet in the second movement is notable for its use of imitative counterpoint and its expressive use of dissonance. Overall, 'Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden' is a powerful and moving work that reflects Bach's deep understanding of the text of Psalm 51 and his skill as a composer. Its use of counterpoint and chromaticism make it a challenging work for performers, but also a rewarding one for audiences.

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