Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

Jan 1, 1729

Publication Date

:

1888

First Performance

:

Jan 1, 1729

Average_duration

:

16:08

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 171, Gott, wie dein Name, so ist auch dein Ruhm, BWV 171, in Weimar in 1715. The cantata was premiered on the 12th Sunday after Trinity, August 19, 1715, at the court chapel in Weimar. The cantata consists of six movements and is scored for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two violins, viola, and basso continuo. The first movement is an aria for soprano soloist and orchestra. The aria begins with a lively instrumental introduction, followed by the soprano soloist singing the text "Gott, wie dein Name, so ist auch dein Ruhm" (God, as your name is, so is your fame). The music is characterized by its joyful and celebratory nature, with the soprano soloist's virtuosic vocal line and the orchestra's lively accompaniment. The second movement is a recitative for bass soloist, accompanied by the continuo. The bass soloist sings the text "So herrlich stehst du, liebe Gott, in deiner Majestät" (So gloriously you stand, dear God, in your majesty), with the music reflecting the awe and reverence of the text. The third movement is an aria for alto soloist and orchestra. The aria begins with a gentle instrumental introduction, followed by the alto soloist singing the text "Gottes Güte stillt all mein Verlangen" (God's goodness satisfies all my desires). The music is characterized by its peaceful and serene nature, with the alto soloist's lyrical vocal line and the orchestra's gentle accompaniment. The fourth movement is a recitative for tenor soloist, accompanied by the continuo. The tenor soloist sings the text "Wie sich ein Vater erbarmet" (As a father has compassion), with the music reflecting the tenderness and compassion of the text. The fifth movement is an aria for bass soloist and orchestra. The aria begins with a solemn instrumental introduction, followed by the bass soloist singing the text "Mein Jesus soll mein alles sein" (My Jesus shall be my everything). The music is characterized by its contemplative and introspective nature, with the bass soloist's expressive vocal line and the orchestra's mournful accompaniment. The final movement is a chorale for four-part choir and orchestra. The choir sings the text "Gott, nimm dich ferner unser an" (God, continue to take care of us), with the music reflecting the prayerful and hopeful nature of the text. Overall, Cantata No. 171, Gott, wie dein Name, so ist auch dein Ruhm, BWV 171, is characterized by its joyful and celebratory nature, as well as its contemplative and introspective moments. The cantata showcases Bach's mastery of vocal and instrumental writing, as well as his ability to convey a range of emotions through music.

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