"Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How Brightly Shines the Morning Star) is the closing chorale from Bach's Cantata BWV 1, composed for the Feast of the Annunciation. Based on Philipp Nicolai's 1599 hymn, it features radiant harmonies symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Bach's setting became a model of Baroque chorale writing, later reused in his Christmas Oratorio.
Bach uses two solo violins in the opening chorus to evoke the shimmering radiance of the morning star, weaving counterpoint around the soprano cantus firmus while rich brass and strings create a festive texture for this Annunciation celebration.
This aria from Bach's chorale cantata BWV 1 features rich orchestration with two solo violins symbolizing celestial light, composed for the Annunciation feast. It showcases Baroque counterpoint with a soaring soprano line originally paired with oboe da caccia, here arranged for woodwinds and cello.
