Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

May 27, 1725

Publication Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

May 27, 1725

Average_duration

:

11:08

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 176, Es ist ein trotzig und verzagt Ding, BWV 176, in Leipzig in 1725. The cantata premiered on the 19th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 8th of that year. The work is divided into six movements and is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a four-part choir, and a Baroque orchestra consisting of two oboes, two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The cantata's title translates to "It is a defiant and despairing thing," and the text is based on a hymn by Johann Georg Albinus. The opening movement is a chorale fantasia, in which the choir sings the hymn tune in unison while the orchestra provides a complex and ornate accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative for the bass soloist, who laments the sinful nature of humanity and the difficulty of overcoming it. The third movement is an aria for the soprano soloist, accompanied by the oboes and continuo. The text speaks of the "bitter cup" of sin and the need for God's mercy and grace. The fourth movement is a duet for the alto and tenor soloists, accompanied by the violins and continuo. The text speaks of the "thorny path" of life and the need for faith and trust in God. The fifth movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who speaks of the "heavy burden" of sin and the need for God's help in carrying it. The final movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings the hymn tune in four-part harmony, accompanied by the orchestra. The text speaks of the hope of salvation and the joy of eternal life. Overall, Cantata No. 176 is a deeply introspective work that reflects Bach's Lutheran faith and his belief in the power of music to express the deepest emotions and spiritual truths. The music is characterized by its intricate counterpoint, rich harmonies, and expressive melodies, which combine to create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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