Bach Cantata Notes

BWV 143

Bach Cantata BWV 143 is one of the few cantatas that cannot be dated with any certainty. It has several unusual features. The only recitative is actually a biblical quote; thus the recitative style has no relation to the Italian operatic style extablished in Bach's first two years in Leipzig. The chorale melody "Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ" appears three times, but not, as is usual, in the opening chorus. The cantata begins with a short fanfare-like movement with the brass and strings playing brilliant roulades against the chorus coloratura. The sopranos then sing a simple version of the chorale over a tuneful and appealing obbligato of the violins. The recitative that follows sets up the gloomy text of the tenor aria. The music is actually much jollier than the text would indicate. The bass aria brings back the trumpets of the opening. The second tenor aria is interesting as a duet between the bassoon and the continuo. On top of this all of the strings play the chorale tune. The chorale makes its final appearance in the brilliant, glorious chorus that closes this brief and interesting cantata.

©Craig Smith