Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1713 - 1714

Publication Date

:

1852

First Performance

:

Feb 24, 1715

Average_duration

:

14:02

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 18, Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt, BWV 18, in Leipzig in 1713. The cantata premiered on January 8, 1714, as part of Bach's first cycle of cantatas for the liturgical year. The cantata is divided into six movements and is scored for four vocal soloists, a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, strings, and continuo. The first movement is a choral setting of the text from Isaiah 55:10-11, "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." The music is characterized by a flowing, imitative texture that evokes the image of falling rain and snow. The second movement is a duet for soprano and bass, set to a text by Johann Heermann. The music is characterized by a lively, dance-like rhythm and a playful interplay between the two voices. The third movement is a recitative for tenor, set to a text by an unknown author. The music is characterized by a declamatory style that emphasizes the text. The fourth movement is a soprano aria, set to a text by Paul Gerhardt. The music is characterized by a gentle, lilting rhythm and a pastoral mood that evokes the image of a peaceful countryside. The fifth movement is a bass aria, set to a text by an unknown author. The music is characterized by a solemn, hymn-like melody and a sense of reverence and awe. The final movement is a choral setting of the final verse of the hymn "Nun danket alle Gott" (Now thank we all our God). The music is characterized by a joyful, celebratory mood and a grand, majestic sound. Overall, Cantata No. 18 is a masterful example of Bach's skill in setting sacred texts to music. The music is characterized by a rich, complex texture, intricate counterpoint, and a deep emotional resonance that speaks to the listener's soul.

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