Why is the bassoon part in Bach's BWV 155 considered so remarkable? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
Composed for the second Sunday after Epiphany, the cantata "Mein Gott, wie lang, ach lange" (BWV 155) is a gem from Bach's Weimar period. The aria "Wirf, mein Herze, wirf dich noch" is a moment of profound emotional release, moving from the cantata's earlier expressions of longing to confident trust. A notable feature is the virtuosic and unusually low bassoon obbligato in the duet, which demands an extraordinary range from the performer, including a very low G, making it a standout in the bassoon repertoire of the time.