Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Apr 11, 1724

Publication Date

:

1881

First Performance

:

Apr 11, 1724

Average_duration

:

28:14

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 134, Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiss, BWV 134, in Leipzig in 1724. The cantata was premiered on August 25, 1724, as part of Bach's second annual cycle of cantatas for the liturgical year. The cantata 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 cantata consists of six movements, each of which reflects on the theme of the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ. The opening movement is a chorale fantasia based on the hymn "Jesu, meine Freude." The second movement is a recitative for the bass soloist, who reflects on the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. The third movement is an aria for the soprano soloist, who expresses her love for Jesus Christ. The fourth movement is a duet for the alto and tenor soloists, who sing of the comfort and peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The fifth movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who reflects on the suffering that Jesus Christ endured for the sake of humanity. The final movement is a chorale setting of the hymn "Jesu, meine Freude." The cantata is characterized by Bach's masterful use of counterpoint and his ability to convey complex theological ideas through music. The opening chorale fantasia is particularly noteworthy for its intricate interplay between the choir and the orchestra, as well as its use of chromatic harmonies to convey the tension between sin and redemption. The duet for the alto and tenor soloists is also notable for its use of imitative counterpoint to convey the idea of two voices in harmony. Overall, Cantata No. 134, Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiss, BWV 134, is a powerful expression of the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ, and a testament to Bach's skill as a composer.

More....