How did Bach musically depict fishermen and hunters in this Baroque aria? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
This opening aria from Bach's cantata BWV 88 (1726) features striking contrasts: a barcarolle-like "fishermen" section with undulating 6/8 rhythms symbolizes water, abruptly shifting to a hunting allegro with horns. The bass soloist represents God's voice proclaiming Jeremiah 16:16, with innovative structural choices like omitting the ritornello in the following "Nein, nein" aria.