Western Music: Johann Sebastian Bach

1878 Words4 Pages

Johann Sebastian Bach is often identified as the summarizer of the Baroque era and contributed significantly to the practice and theoretical development of Western music. He composed copious amounts of music, including over 500 vocal compositions such as sacred and secular cantatas, motets, masses, and passions. The majority of Bach's cantatas date back to his post in Leipzig. Although he is considered to have written five cantata cycles, only the first three are virtually complete; the remaining two are either lost or unable to be attributed to Bach. Bach's second year in Leipzig is considered his most prolific. On the 14th Sunday after Trinity during 1724, Bach premiered Bwv. 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele. Utilizing the chorale melody and hymn text written by Johann Rist in 1641, Bach incorporated the entirety of the first and twelfth stanza within the cantata's first and seventh movements. Additionally, Bach paraphrased portions of Rist's poetry in movements three and five; the author of the remaining text remains unknown. This paragraph is a great example of Bach's ability to musically interpret and enhance religious texts. The liturgical readings for this particular Sunday included the parable of Jesus and the cleansing of the lepers. Maintaining the key of G minor, the overall mood of the chorale can be perceived as unconfident and unsure, which is also supported by the text, "Herr, ich glaube, hilf mir Schwachen" (Lord, I believe, help me in my weakness). As demonstrated in the previous movement, one can struggle for the conviction of Christ; however, without his love, we are destined to wander aimlessly in this world. This is the weakness referred to in the text. However, as the chorale progresses towards the final two cadential points in measures 14-16, the cantata concludes in the parallel key of G major. The usage of the Picardy third sheds light on the final text, "in der süssen Ewigkeit" (in sweet eternity), and brings a sense of resolution and hope to the piece.

Open Document