Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 30, 1723

Publication Date

:

1870

First Performance

:

May 30, 1723

Average_duration

:

31:02

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 75, Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75, in 1723 for the third Sunday after Trinity. The cantata premiered on June 25, 1723, at the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The cantata consists of six movements, including an opening chorus, three arias, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on Psalm 22 and focuses on the theme of God's mercy and provision for the poor and needy. The opening chorus, "Die Elenden sollen essen" (The wretched shall eat), is a grand and celebratory piece that features a full orchestra and choir. The music is characterized by its lively rhythms, intricate counterpoint, and joyful melodies. The first aria, "Du machst, o Tod, mir nun nicht mehr" (You, O death, will no longer make me), is a solo for bass accompanied by a solo violin. The music is somber and reflective, with a mournful melody that expresses the singer's gratitude for God's mercy and protection. The second aria, "Ach, bleibe doch, mein liebstes Leben" (Ah, stay with me, my dearest life), is a duet for soprano and alto accompanied by a solo oboe. The music is tender and intimate, with a gentle melody that expresses the singer's longing for God's presence and comfort. The third aria, "Er kennt die rechten Freudenstunden" (He knows the true hours of joy), is a solo for tenor accompanied by a solo flute. The music is lively and joyful, with a playful melody that expresses the singer's confidence in God's provision and care. The recitative, "Mein Jesu, heil'ger Geist" (My Jesus, Holy Spirit), is a solo for bass accompanied by continuo. The music is simple and straightforward, with a declamatory melody that emphasizes the text's message of trust in God's mercy and grace. The closing chorale, "Gott Lob und Dank, der nicht zugab" (God praise and thanks, who did not allow), is a simple and straightforward piece that features the choir singing a hymn of gratitude and praise to God. Overall, Cantata No. 75, Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75, is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Bach's mastery of choral and instrumental music. The music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, joyful melodies, and expressive harmonies, and the text is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and provision for the poor and needy.

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