Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Nov 5, 1724

Publication Date

:

1876

First Performance

:

Nov 5, 1724

Average_duration

:

22:17

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 115, Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit, BWV 115, in Leipzig in 1724. The cantata was premiered on the 22nd Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 12th of that year. The cantata consists of six movements and is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, strings, and continuo. The first movement is a chorale fantasia based on the hymn "Mache dich, mein Geist, bereit" by Johann Burchard Freystein. The choir sings the chorale melody in long notes while the orchestra plays a complex and virtuosic accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative for bass, accompanied by continuo. The text urges the listener to prepare for the coming of Christ and to repent of their sins. The third movement is an aria for alto, accompanied by oboe and continuo. The text speaks of the "bitter cup" that Christ must drink and encourages the listener to follow his example. The music is characterized by a mournful oboe melody and a flowing vocal line. The fourth movement is a duet for soprano and tenor, accompanied by continuo. The text speaks of the "narrow path" that leads to salvation and the "broad road" that leads to destruction. The music is characterized by a lively and dance-like rhythm. The fifth movement is a recitative for tenor, accompanied by continuo. The text speaks of the "day of judgment" and urges the listener to be prepared. The final movement is a chorale setting of the hymn "Nun, Herr, regiere meinen Sinn" by Johann Leon. The choir sings the chorale melody in four parts while the orchestra plays a simple and harmonious accompaniment. Overall, Cantata No. 115 is characterized by its complex and virtuosic instrumental writing, its use of chorale melodies, and its emphasis on repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ.

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