Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:46

"Schaut, ihr Sünder!" (Behold, you sinners!) is a sacred cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written in Leipzig in 1724 and premiered on the 10th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on August 1st of that year. The cantata is divided into four movements and is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, strings, and continuo. The first movement is a duet for soprano and alto, accompanied by the orchestra. The text is based on the Gospel reading for the day, which tells the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasts of his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. The music reflects the contrast between the two characters, with the Pharisee's self-righteousness expressed in pompous, fanfare-like motifs, and the tax collector's humility conveyed through simple, plaintive melodies. The second movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who urges the congregation to follow the example of the tax collector and repent of their sins. The music is characterized by rapid, declamatory passages that convey a sense of urgency and exhortation. The third movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings a hymn based on the text of Psalm 51, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love." The music is simple and homophonic, with the choir singing in unison and the orchestra providing a gentle accompaniment. The final movement is a bass aria, in which the soloist sings of the joy and peace that come from being forgiven. The music is characterized by a lilting, dance-like rhythm and a joyful, celebratory mood. Overall, "Schaut, ihr Sünder!" is a powerful and moving work that reflects Bach's deep faith and his commitment to using music as a means of expressing and inspiring spiritual devotion. Its themes of repentance, humility, and forgiveness are timeless and universal, and its music continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day.

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