Pamela Dellal, mezzo soprano
uncommon intelligence, imagination and textual
awareness... |
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Bach Cantata Notes
BWV 180
Bach Cantata BWV 180 is from the composer's 2nd Leipzig cycle and is
based upon the beloved chorale tune "Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele."
The operning chorus uses both the two recorders as well as oboe and
English horn to create a transparent web of sound over which the wonderful
loping string melody is played. The tenor aria with flute obbligato
is a jolly affair with the knocking of Jesus humorously portrayed. The
chorale tune reappears with a violincello piccolo (today played on viola).
Once again the incipient melancholy of the tune is emphasized by the
easy-going obbligato. The two recorders reappear to accompany the alto
recitative. The sun bursts forth in the wonderful dancing soprano aria
with full orchestral accompaniment. The final chorale is one of Bach's
greatest chorale harmonizations and brings this great work to a peaceful
close.