CCXIV. BACH, J.S. (1685-1750)
Bach probably wrote many "Wedding Cantatas," but only two survive, possibly because he would make a wedding present of the score to the happy couple.
It is thought by many Bach scholars that this is possibly written for his own marriage to Anna Magdalena in December, 1721.
This joyous secular cantata was written for a single soprano vocal soloist, a single oboe, and modest string forces.
1. [Aria] (Soprano)
The opening is pure beauty. Note how the firsts, seconds, and violas create the arpeggios by lagging a 16th-note behind each other.
And the oboe soars above it all:
2. [Recitativo] (Soprano)
The world is born anew
On mountains and in valleys
Grace, doubly beautiful, bedecks itself
The day is free from frost
3. [Aria (Soprano)
Phoebus (Apollo) drives his dashing horses
through the new-born world
So pleasing are her charms to him
that he himself would be her lover
Bach imitates the horses' gait.
4. Recitativo (Soprano)
So Cupid too seeks out his pleasures
when violet smiles in the meadows
when Flora in her pride arrays herself
and when, within his realm
like flowers fair to see
hearts triumph in their ardour
5. Aria (Soprano)
The only aria in a minor key (E), Bach nevertheless conveys the gentle text images with his usual amazing writing for obbligato violin, which accompanies the soprano ever so gracefully.
Whenever springtime breezes blow
and waft through chequered fields
then Cupid too steals out
to see what may adorn him
And what delights him, we believe, is this:
when one heart kisses another
6. Recitativo (Soprano)
Notice the word-painting melisma on the word segen (blessings)!
7. Aria (Soprano)
This well known aria is often performed as a stand-alone concert piece.
The oboe's tied notes suggest a feeling of rolling, and the music and text reflect each other perfectly. The first part -- which repeats in the da capo -- emphasizes physical love:
To cultivate love
and daily in fond embrace
is better than Flora's fleeting delights
The second part:
Here the waves well forth
here the victor's palm stands sentinel
and smiles on lips and breast
even more so!
8. Recitativo (Soprano)
A simple prayer:
So may the bond of pure love
O plighted pair
be free from incontancy and change
May no sudden fall or clap of thunder
disturb your amorous desires
And Bach paints the thunder in the continuo!
9. Gavotte (Soprano)
and a delightful dance ends the festivities!
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