CCCLIII. BACH, J.S.: Cantata #44: Sie Werden Euch in den Bann Tun, BWV 44

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

Cantata #44: Sie Werden Euch in den Bann Tun, BWV 44 (1724)
1. Aria (Duetto: Tenore, Basso): Sie werden euch in den Bann tun
2. [Coro]: Es kömmt aber die Zeit
3. Aria (Alto): Christen müssen auf der Erden
4. Choral (Tenore): Ach Gott, wie manches Herzeleid
5. Recitativo (Basso): Es such t der Antichrist
6. Aria (Soprano): Es ist und bleibt der Christen Trost
7. Choral (Coro): So sei nun, Seele, deine
Netherlands Bach Society
(19:20)

The basic theme is that we suffer, and God consoles us.

First Movement

Divided into two distinct sections, the first one features the two soloists (tenor, bass) combined with two oboes and continuo to form an intimate quartet. The theme in the oboes is taken up in a canon at the fifth, and the vocalists copy that when they enter a few bars later:

Out from their church will they cast you

**

The second section is chilled by the menacing text and notice the heavy chromaticism Bach word-paints on wer euch tötet (he who kills you):

and even more so:

Yea there cometh the time that he who kills you
Will think that he doeth service to God thereby

Second Movement

An intimate da capo aria with just three voices (oboe, alto, continuo). Although written in two flats, it is in the key of C Minor:

Christians must be Christ's disciples
Worthy of His Holy Name
If we serve Him ev'ry hour
By His blessed grace and power
He will end our grief and shame

Third Movement

Tenor and continuo only. This short "chorale" seems to comment upon the previous aria.

Ah Lord, how sad and sick of heart
Am I in this unhappy time
The narrow path is full of woe
By which I must to Heaven climb

Fourth Movement

This 12-bar recitative for the bass squeezes in a lot of text about defeating the Antichrist ...

There comes the Antichrist, that evil minded monster
With sword and fire to persecute the faithful Christians
Since their existence thwarts his purpose dire
They who in Christian stature grow
Are those whose deeds with God's approval glow
The palms, may well our Christian Band with faith inspire
For as their burden grows, they climb the higher

Fifth Movement

With the distinctive 16th-note triplet/1/8th note motif in the oboes and violins, the soprano has a difficult but beautiful da capo aria with an important melisma on the word wacht (watches over) ...

Our Christian faith is ever-safe
With God on guard in our behalf
For tho' the storms of life redouble
Yet thru the wind and rain of trouble
The Sun of Gladness soon will laugh

Sixth Movement

Very similar to the many chorale melodies of the St. Matthew Passion (see Post I).

Be His, my soul forever
And trust another never
For He created thee
Whatever ills assail thee
Thy Father will not fail thee
Thy ev'ry need doth He foresee