Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
The opening movement of Bach's cantata BWV 86, "Wahrlich, wahrlich, ich sage euch", features the bass voice as vox Christi (voice of Christ) proclaiming Jesus's words from John 16:23. Bach uses restrained string motifs that intertwine with the vocal line, creating a meditative arioso texture. Composed for Rogate Sunday, it reflects themes of divine promise and prayer. This arrangement adapts the original oboes d'amore and strings for flute and modern oboe.