Bach composed two cantatas for the fifth Sunday after Trinity, and we listened to the first one last year. Today we'll listen to the later one, BWV 88, Siehe, ich will viel Fischer aussenden (Behold, I will send out many fishers, Leipzig 1746). This is a small, pleasant solo cantata featuring the bass voice, although others join in from time to time. The focus is on the Gospel reading for the day, and especially Jesus' statement to Simon Peter, "I will make you fishers of men" (hence today's photo, part of the Newport fishing fleet docked at the State Pier, taken in 2009). Here's Simon Crouch on this cantata:
The opening bass aria of this cantata displays two of Bachs most attractive devices, pedal bass and compound duple time. Indeed, swinging along nicely, this is the most attractive movement in this piece, reinforcing very effectively the message of the libretto. A recitative is followed by a tenor aria, attractive but not outstanding, which brings the first half of this short cantata to a close. The second part opens with an attractive figure leading into a bass arioso. The following duet for soprano and alto is pleasant enough but not truly memorable and, following a recitative, the cantata is brought to a close by a straightforward setting of a very beautiful chorale, verse vii. of Neumark's Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten.Copyright © 1996 & 1998, Simon Crouch
As you can see, Crouch wasn't all that enthusiastic about this cantata, but I find it an easy, relaxing listen, just perfect for a lazy weekend. This week's performance is by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir under the direction of Ton Koopman. Kick back and enjoy!
Photo © 2009 by A. Roy Hilbinger
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment