Bach Cantata Notes

BWV 152

Bach Cantata BWV 152 is one of the great chamber works from Bach’s Weimar period. It is a work with an exotic orchestration, viola d’amore, viola da gamba, recorder, and oboe d’amore, with continuo. These instruments begin the work with a poetic and lively sinfonia. The bass begins a rather stern aria with the oboe d’amore. After a lengthy and beautiful recitative, the soprano takes over with a heavenly aria with recorder and viola d’amore obbligati. This is one of the jewels of the Weimar period. After another recitative, the two voices join with all of the instruments in unison for a lively and heart-easing gigue.

©Craig Smith