This aria from Bach's cantata BWV 47 (1726) features a profound musical duality: the obbligato instrument (originally organ, later violin) and vocal line depict humility through flowing lines, while the middle section uses harsh, broken chords to symbolize pride—a direct sonic representation of the cantata's theme from Luke 14:11 on spiritual humility.
This soprano aria from Bach's church cantata BWV 47 contrasts musical humility (gentle continuo) with pride (harsh broken chords). Originally scored with obbligato organ, it later featured violin. The text, based on a 1720 Helbig poem, examines true Christian virtues against the Gospel reading of Luke 14:1-11.
