Bach Cantata Notes

BWV 185

Bach Cantata BWV 185 was originally written in Weimar. A later version from performances in Leipzig exists as well. It opens with a detailed and expressive duet for soprano and tenor with a trumpet playing the chorale tune “Ich ruf zu dir.” After an accompanied recitative, the alto sings a warm and friendly aria with oboe d’amore and strings. The following bass recitative and aria with continuo is surprisingly lively and almost sly in tone. The work ends with a four-part harmonization of “Ich ruf zu dir” with a descant fifth voice in the first violins.