Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Chorale

Compose Date

:

before 1751

Publication Date

:

1784 - 1787

Average_duration

:

0:50

'O Mensch, schau Jesum Christum an' (O man, behold Jesus Christ) is a chorale composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written in Leipzig in 1724 and was first performed on the 19th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on October 15th of that year. The piece is part of Bach's larger collection of chorale cantatas, which he composed during his time as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different verse of the chorale. The first movement is a chorale fantasia, in which the melody of the chorale is presented in the soprano voice while the other voices provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative, in which the tenor voice sings a text that reflects on the meaning of the chorale. The third movement is an aria, in which the alto voice sings a text that expresses the emotional content of the chorale. The final movement is a four-part chorale setting, in which all voices sing the chorale melody together. The piece is characterized by Bach's masterful use of counterpoint and harmony. The chorale melody is presented in a variety of ways throughout the piece, with each voice taking turns singing it and the other voices providing a rich harmonic accompaniment. The recitative and aria movements are particularly expressive, with the tenor and alto voices respectively conveying the emotional content of the text through their singing. Overall, 'O Mensch, schau Jesum Christum an' is a beautiful and moving piece of music that showcases Bach's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the chorale tradition. Its message of reflection on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ is timeless and continues to resonate with listeners today.

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