Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jan 20, 1726

Publication Date

:

1852

First Performance

:

Jan 20, 1726

Average_duration

:

22:44

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 13, Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen, BWV 13, in 1726 during his tenure as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The cantata was premiered on January 20, 1726, as part of the liturgy for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The cantata consists of five movements, including an opening chorus, two recitatives, an aria, and a closing chorale. The text is based on a hymn by Johann Georg Albinus, which reflects on the sorrow and tears of the Christian soul. The opening chorus, "Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen" (My sighs, my tears), is a somber and mournful piece that sets the tone for the entire cantata. The music is characterized by a descending chromatic motif that emphasizes the sorrowful nature of the text. The first recitative, "Wie soll ich dich empfangen" (How shall I receive you), is a dialogue between the soul and Jesus. The music is sparse and accompanied only by a continuo, allowing the text to take center stage. The following aria, "Vergiß, o Seele, nicht" (Do not forget, O soul), is a solo for alto that features a virtuosic violin obbligato. The music is more upbeat than the previous movements, reflecting the hope and comfort that the Christian soul finds in Jesus. The second recitative, "Bereite dich, Zion" (Prepare yourself, Zion), is a call to action for the Christian soul to prepare for the coming of Jesus. The music is more urgent and features a more active continuo line. The closing chorale, "Stelle dich, o Jesu, mir" (Stand before me, O Jesus), is a prayer for Jesus to stand before the Christian soul and provide comfort and salvation. The music is simple and hymn-like, emphasizing the text and the message of the cantata. Overall, Cantata No. 13, Meine Seufzer, meine Tränen, BWV 13, is a powerful and emotional work that reflects on the sorrow and hope of the Christian soul. The music is characterized by Bach's masterful use of chromaticism, counterpoint, and instrumentation to convey the text and the message of the cantata.

More....