Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"Alles nur nach Gottes Willen" (Everything only according to God's will), BWV 72, is a cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Here are some interesting facts about this piece:
Composition Date: Bach composed "Alles nur nach Gottes Willen" in 1726 during his tenure as the Thomaskantor in Leipzig.
Cantata Purpose: BWV 72 is a church cantata, intended for performance during the liturgical year. It was specifically written for the 15th Sunday after Trinity.
Librettist: The text for this cantata was likely written by Bach's frequent collaborator, Mariane von Ziegler. She provided the libretti for several of Bach's cantatas.
Structure: The cantata is structured in six movements, including an opening sinfonia, alternating recitatives and arias, and concluding with a chorale.
Theological Themes: As with many of Bach's sacred works, the cantata explores profound theological themes. In this piece, there's a contemplation on the human experience in relation to God's will and the acceptance of divine guidance.
Instrumentation: The scoring for "Alles nur nach Gottes Willen" includes strings, oboes, bassoon, and continuo. The use of different instruments in various movements adds a rich and varied texture to the composition.
Chorale Inclusion: The cantata incorporates a chorale, a hymn-like element often used by Bach to anchor the work in traditional Lutheran worship practices.
"Alles nur nach Gottes Willen" is a testament to Bach's masterful ability to blend intricate musical structures with profound theological exploration in the context of Lutheran liturgy.