Who's behind the notes? Discover Johann Sebastian Bach: Master of Baroque Music
"Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" (BWV 70) is a sacred cantata composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Here are some interesting facts about this work:
Composition Date: Bach composed "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" in 1716 during his tenure in Weimar. It was written for the 26th Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 21, 1716, that year.
Biblical Text: The cantata is based on biblical texts, primarily focusing on the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the Gospel for the 26th Sunday after Trinity (Matthew 25:31-46).
Structure: "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" consists of seven movements. It follows the traditional structure of a Bach cantata, including recitatives, arias, and chorales.
Opening Chorus: The cantata begins with a powerful and expressive choral movement, "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" (Watch! Pray! Pray! Watch!). The chorus is accompanied by an orchestra, and the text encourages vigilance and readiness for the Second Coming.
Use of Trumpets and Drums: Bach employs a festive instrumentation in this cantata, featuring trumpets and drums. This adds a grand and majestic character to the work, especially in the opening chorus.
Bass Aria "Komm, komm, mein Herze steht dir offen": One of the notable arias in this cantata is the bass aria, which translates to "Come, come, my heart stands open to you." The aria is a dialogue between the Soul and Jesus, expressing the believer's yearning for closeness with Christ.
Chorale Settings: As is common in Bach's cantatas, "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" includes chorale settings. These are typically reflective and provide moments of communal worship within the context of the cantata.
Theological Depth: Bach's cantatas, including this one, often explore profound theological themes. In "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!," the emphasis on watchfulness and preparation for the return of Christ is a central theme, aligning with the liturgical context of the 26th Sunday after Trinity.
Legacy: While some of Bach's works were underappreciated during his lifetime, "Wachet! betet! betet! wachet!" and his other cantatas have gained recognition for their artistic and spiritual significance in the centuries following his death. Today, they are celebrated as masterpieces of Baroque sacred music.
Listening to this cantata provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Bach's compositional skill and his ability to convey deep theological concepts through music.