Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Feb 6, 1727

Publication Date

:

1886

First Performance

:

Feb 6, 1727

Average_duration

:

18:29

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 157, Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157, in Leipzig in 1726. The cantata was premiered on August 11, 1726, the ninth Sunday after Trinity. The work is divided into five movements and 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 first movement is a duet for soprano and bass, with the bass representing God and the soprano representing the believer. The movement begins with a lively instrumental introduction, followed by the two voices singing in counterpoint. The movement is characterized by its joyful and optimistic tone, reflecting the believer's confidence in God's protection. The second movement is a recitative for the tenor soloist, who reflects on the believer's relationship with God. The tenor sings of the believer's desire to remain close to God and to receive his blessings. The third movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings a hymn based on Psalm 119:33-34. The hymn expresses the believer's desire to follow God's commandments and to be guided by his word. The fourth movement is a duet for alto and tenor, with the alto representing the believer and the tenor representing God. The movement is characterized by its tender and intimate tone, as the two voices sing in dialogue about the believer's trust in God's guidance. The final movement is a chorale, in which the choir sings a hymn based on Psalm 73:23-24. The hymn expresses the believer's confidence in God's protection and guidance, and ends the cantata on a note of assurance and hope. Overall, Cantata No. 157 is characterized by its joyful and optimistic tone, reflecting the believer's confidence in God's protection and guidance. The work is notable for its use of duets and chorales, which allow for a variety of vocal textures and expressions of faith.

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