How does Bach musically represent the soul dressing itself in wedding finery in this cantata? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
This exquisite aria "Lebens Sonne, Licht der Sinnen" comes from Bach's church cantata BWV 180 "Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele" (Adorn yourself, o dear soul), composed for the 20th Sunday after Trinity. The cantata is based on Johann Franck's Eucharistic hymn and beautifully connects the Gospel's parable of the wedding feast with spiritual preparation for communion. Bach's setting features a radiant soprano aria with full orchestral accompaniment, representing the "Sun of life, light of the senses" through joyful, dance-like rhythms that some scholars compare to a polonaise.