BWV 118, "O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht," is a brief but profound funeral cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach. Composed for a Leipzig town council ceremony, it features an unusual orchestra with two litui (medieval brass instruments) accompanying four-part choir and strings. Based on Martin Behm's hymn, it reflects Baroque sacred music traditions with its solemn counterpoint and harmonic richness. The work exists in multiple versions, adapted by Bach himself for different occasions.
A sacred work blending funeral cantata elements with motet-style polyphony, featuring chorale melody in soprano with contrapuntal lower voices. Composed for Count von Flemming's funeral, it reflects Baroque liturgical practice with distinctive litui (medieval trumpets) scoring.
