Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jun 25, 1724

Publication Date

:

1881

First Performance

:

Jun 25, 1724

Average_duration

:

14:46

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 135, Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder, BWV 135, in Leipzig in 1724. The cantata was premiered on September 17, 1724, as part of the liturgy of the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The work is structured in six movements and is scored for four vocal soloists, a four-part choir, and a Baroque orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The first movement is a chorale fantasia based on the hymn "Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder" by Johann Heermann. The choir sings the chorale melody in long notes while the orchestra plays a complex and virtuosic accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative for bass soloist, who reflects on the human condition of sin and asks for God's mercy. The third movement is an aria for alto soloist, who expresses her trust in God's grace and love. The aria is accompanied by a solo violin, which plays a virtuosic and expressive obbligato. The fourth movement is a duet for soprano and tenor soloists, who sing a dialogue between the soul and Jesus. The soprano represents the soul, which is tormented by sin and seeks comfort and salvation in Jesus. The tenor represents Jesus, who offers his love and forgiveness to the soul. The duet is accompanied by a delicate and expressive oboe d'amore. The fifth movement is a recitative for tenor soloist, who exhorts the soul to trust in God's mercy and to repent from sin. The final movement is a chorale setting of the hymn "Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort" by Martin Luther. The choir sings the chorale melody in four parts while the orchestra plays a simple and majestic accompaniment. The cantata ends with a joyful and confident affirmation of faith in God's protection and guidance. Cantata No. 135 is a masterpiece of Bach's sacred music, which combines profound theological reflection with musical beauty and emotional intensity. The work reflects the Lutheran tradition of penitential and consolatory hymns, which emphasize the human condition of sin and the divine grace of salvation. Bach's music enhances the text with intricate counterpoint, expressive harmonies, and vivid instrumental colors, which convey the drama and the pathos of the human soul's struggle for redemption. The cantata is a testament to Bach's genius as a composer and his devotion as a Christian believer.

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