Composer

:

Johann Ludwig Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

before 1732

Average_duration

:

4:35

Johann Ludwig Bach's "Das ist meine Freude" is a sacred cantata composed for four-part choir and orchestra. It was likely composed in the early 18th century, although the exact date is unknown. The cantata is believed to have been premiered in the court chapel of Meiningen, where Bach served as Kapellmeister. The cantata consists of five movements, each of which is based on a biblical text. The first movement is a setting of Psalm 73:28, "But it is good for me to draw near to God." The second movement is a setting of Psalm 16:5, "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup." The third movement is a setting of Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." The fourth movement is a setting of Psalm 84:11, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." The final movement is a setting of Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." The cantata is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies. The choral writing is particularly noteworthy, with the four parts often weaving in and out of each other in intricate counterpoint. The orchestration is relatively simple, with the strings providing a lush backdrop for the choir. Overall, "Das ist meine Freude" is a beautiful example of sacred choral music from the Baroque era. Its expressive melodies and rich harmonies make it a joy to listen to, and its biblical texts provide a powerful message of faith and hope.

More....