XV. BACH, J.S.: Cantata #83: "Erfreute Zeit im neue Bunde" ("Joyful time in the new covenant"), BWV 83

XV. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)

Cantata #83: "Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde" ("Joyful time in the new covenant"), BWV 83 (1724)
1. Aria (alto): Erfreute Zeit im neuen Bunde
2. Aria (Chorale and recitative, bass): Herr, nun lässest du deinen Diener in Friede fahren, wie du gesaget hast -- Was uns als Menschen schrecklich scheint
3. Aria (tenor): Eile, Herz, voll Freudigkeit
4. Recitative (alto): Ja, merkt dein Glaube noch viel Finsternis
5. Chorale: Es ist das Heil und selig Licht
Netherlands Bach Society
(17:55)

Movement 2 is singular in Bach's cantatas. It contains the canticle of Simeon, sung by the bass on the eighth psalm tone of Gregorian chant, while a canon is played by all the strings and continuo in unison. After the first verse, three sections of secco recitative are interrupted by the canonic music, and finally the other two verses of the canticle are treated as the first. The use of psalm tones was already considered an archaism in Bach's time.

The ensemble performs Bach so beautifully. The alto aria is sung by a male: