Bach Cantata Notes
BWV 146
Bach Cantata BWV 146 is a curious amalgam of instrumental and vocal
music. The first movement is a sinfonia that is an enriched version
of the first movement of the D Minor Harpsichord Concerto, here arranged
for organ. The second movement of that concerto is the underpinning
for the opening chorus. An expressive alto aria with violin obbligato
follows. Perhaps the greatest thing in this cantata is the lazy and
sinuous soprano aria with flute and two oboes d’amore. This has a tone
and color both sensuous and melancholy, unique in all of Bach. The big
duet with tenor and bass wipes out all sadness in the cantata and ends
the work with a joyous, upbeat quality. The chorale most familiarly
known as Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring ends this long and impressive cantata.
©Craig Smith