Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1736

Publication Date

:

1736

Average_duration

:

1:45

"Es glänzet der Christen innwendiges Leben" (The Inner Life of Christians Shines) is a sacred aria composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written in Leipzig in 1725 and premiered on the 19th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on October 15th of that year. The aria is part of Bach's cantata "Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten" (Whoever Lets Only the Dear God Rule), BWV 93. The aria is divided into two movements. The first movement is a duet for soprano and alto, accompanied by a solo violin and continuo. The second movement is a chorale, sung by the choir and accompanied by the full orchestra. The first movement begins with a lively and joyful instrumental introduction, played by the solo violin. The soprano and alto then enter, singing in unison, "Es glänzet der Christen innwendiges Leben" (The inner life of Christians shines). The text speaks of the inner light that shines within the hearts of believers, a light that is not visible to the world but is known to God. The music is bright and joyful, with the voices and violin weaving in and out of each other in a playful and intricate dance. The second movement is a chorale, "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan" (What God does is well done), sung by the choir. The music is more solemn and contemplative than the first movement, reflecting the seriousness of the text. The choir sings of the trust and faith that Christians have in God, even in the face of adversity and suffering. The orchestra provides a rich and supportive accompaniment, with the strings and winds weaving in and out of the vocal lines. Overall, "Es glänzet der Christen innwendiges Leben" is a beautiful and uplifting piece of music, reflecting Bach's deep faith and his belief in the power of music to express the innermost thoughts and feelings of the human soul.

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