This arioso from Bach's cantata BWV 81 depicts Jesus calming the storm (Matthew 8:26). Scored for alto, strings, and continuo, it demonstrates Bach's extreme motivic economy—nearly every element derives from the initial vocal theme stated in mm. 2-3, with intricate canonic imitations and contrapuntal splicing throughout the continuo and voice parts.
This expressive arioso features the voice of Christ (bass) questioning the disciples' lack of faith during a storm, using dramatic dialogue techniques characteristic of Bach's sacred works. The continuo mirrors vocal motifs to intensify the biblical text's urgency, framed within a symmetrically structured cantata composed for Epiphanytide.
This bass arioso from Bach's cantata BWV 81, composed in 1724 for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, sets a text questioning fear and affirming faith. Its expressive continuo realization exemplifies Baroque practice where the basso continuo provides harmonic foundation while engaging in sophisticated counterpoint with vocal lines. The cantata reflects Bach's Leipzig period where he explored profound theological themes through intricate musical symbolism.
This aria is the third movement from Bach's church cantata "Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen?" (BWV 81). Composed for the fourth Sunday after Epiphany in 1724, it dramatically illustrates the raging waves described in the libretto through turbulent string runs and expressive vocal lines, symbolizing spiritual turmoil.
