CCC. BACH, J.S.: Cantata #42: Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42

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

Cantata #42: Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats, BWV 42 (1725)
1. Sinfonia
2. Recitativo (Tenore): Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats
3. Aria (Alto): Wo zwei und drei versammelt sind
4. Duetto (Soprano, Tenore): Verzage nicht, o Häuflein klein
5. Recitativo (Bass): Man kann hiervon ein schön Exempel sehen
6. Aria (Bass): Jesus ist ein Schild der Seinen
7. Chorale: Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich
Netherlands Bach Society
(28:30)

1. Sinfonia

Continuous-16th-note phrases in the strings swirl around a woodwind choir of two oboes and bassoon. They trade phrases, complement each other, and -- in the middle section -- Bach himself wrote the term cantabile, which is indeed lyrical.

2. Recitativo (Tenore): Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats

And on the ev'ning of that very Sabbath

When the doors were bolted
The disciples within assembled

The continuo pounds out 16ths like a beating heart.

3. Aria (Alto): We zwei und drei versammelt sind

Under pedal points of G and D, the oboes curl around the melody, and the alto soloist enters with huge intervallic leaps:

4. Duetto (Soprano, Tenore): Verzage nicht, o Häuflein klein

A jumpy continuo accompanies a gorgeous duet, with long melismas on the word verzage (despair) ...

5. Recitativo (Bass): Man kann hiervon ein schön Exempel sehen

Methinks we can all learn a goodly lesson

6. Aria (Bass): Jesus ist ein Schild der Seinen

Jesus will protect His people
Guard them from oppressions well

Lots of A Major arpeggios ... and when the bass enters, he too sings one:

long melisma on the word verfolgung (oppressions):

7. Chorale: Verleih uns Frieden gnädigich

In gracious mercy grant us peace
Lord God, for life's duration
We've none to help us shouldst Thou cease
To strive for our salvation. Thou art our sole Protector
Assure us thru the Rules of our land
Peace and good government
That under their command
Free from war and from turmoil, we may live and prosper
Upright, pious, reverent
Fearing the Lord. Amen.