This aria is part of Bach's cantata "Selig ist der Mann" (BWV 57), composed for the Second Day of Christmas in 1725. As the third aria in the cantata, it features Jesus (bass) declaring victory over enemies. Bach uses bold, fanfare-like broken triads and vigorous string writing to symbolize divine triumph. The cantata's unique structure presents a dramatic dialogue between Jesus and the Soul, showcasing Bach's innovative recitative techniques that prefigure later operatic styles.
This expressive aria from Bach's cantata BWV 57 features a soul's dialogue with Jesus, using dramatic upward leaps followed by descending intervals to musically depict the text's paradoxical longing for death. Composed for St. Stephen's Day, it connects the martyrdom of Stephen with the believer's spiritual yearning through Lehms' poetic interpretation of biblical texts.
Composed for the Feast of St. Stephen, this cantata features a dramatic dialogue between Jesus (bass) and the Soul (soprano). The opening aria, arranged here for woodwind quintet, showcases Bach's expressive long vocal phrases and intricate obbligato writing, later replaced by solo violin symbolism in the final movement.
