Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Feb 2, 1725

Publication Date

:

1878

First Performance

:

Feb 2, 1725

Average_duration

:

21:02

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 125, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125, in 1725. The cantata was premiered on February 2, 1725, in Leipzig, Germany, as part of the liturgical calendar for the Feast of the Purification of Mary. The cantata is divided into six movements, with the first and last movements being chorales. The opening chorale, "Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin" (With peace and joy I depart), sets the tone for the entire cantata, with its serene and peaceful melody. The second movement is a recitative for bass, which reflects on the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life. The third movement is an aria for alto, which expresses the desire to depart from this world and be with God. The fourth movement is a duet for soprano and tenor, which celebrates the joy of being with God in heaven. The fifth movement is a recitative for tenor, which reflects on the transience of earthly life and the hope of eternal life. The final chorale, "Gloria sei dir gesungen" (Glory be sung to you), is a joyful expression of gratitude and praise to God. The cantata is characterized by its use of counterpoint, with intricate and complex melodies interweaving throughout the different movements. The use of chorales also adds to the overall sense of unity and coherence in the piece. The cantata is also notable for its use of symbolism, with the themes of peace, joy, and eternal life being expressed through the music. Overall, Cantata No. 125, Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125, is a beautiful and moving piece of music that reflects Bach's deep faith and his ability to express complex theological ideas through music.

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