Composed during Bach's Weimar period, this cantata reflects Baroque liturgical traditions with expressive recitatives, arioso sections, and a closing chorale. The bassoon's demanding obbligato part showcases Bach's innovative orchestration.
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.
